Since taking over as Chairman, it has been an incredibly busy period both on and off the pitch. While much of the focus is naturally on the first team and management, there is also a great deal of work happening behind the scenes that supporters may not always see.

We have made several additions and changes to our staff, and I am very happy with the squad we have assembled. There is a fantastic mix of youth and experience, both on the pitch and in the dugout. Many voices contribute to the club’s growth, helping us become stronger each day.

With Willis and Rammers fantastic start having won the last three home games in a row, we now have a clear structure and a sense of purpose that ensures we are all pulling in the same direction.

Our goal is to make Greenwich Avenue a fortress, as it should be given the club’s proud history. We want to create a stadium that is a tough place for any opponent to visit.

The average age of our first team has decreased, and this has been reflected in our style of play. We are seeing a high-tempo brand of football, full of energy, desire, and hunger to succeed.

Off the pitch, there are ongoing improvements to our facilities. Changes to the bar area will be visible this Saturday, transforming it into a hub for our ladies’ teams, juniors, first team, and academy. In addition, we are expanding our revenue streams by hosting functions such as birthdays, weddings, and parties in the clubhouse.

A newly formed hospitality and venue team is working tirelessly behind the scenes. Their efforts are crucial to achieving our vision, helping the club thrive beyond matchdays.

We are committed to taking Basford United to new heights, both on and off the pitch. The foundations we are putting in place having expanded our hospitality, events, media, and marketing teams. These are all instrumental in securing long-term success. Not only will these initiatives generate additional revenue, but they will also enhance your matchday experience.

On the field, we are enjoying success in cup competitions. Our ladies’ team has been streamlined and continues to be a vital part of the club, reaching the semi-finals of the Nottinghamshire County Cup. Meanwhile, our first team secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Nottingham Forest U23s to progress to the Nottinghamshire FA Senior Cup semi-finals.

Our relationships with professional clubs continue to grow stronger, bringing additional opportunities for player development and collaboration.

Academy trials were a resounding success, with over 40 attendees and staff from all departments involved. This will provide a strong cohort for next season. Five academy players were named in the matchday squad for our recent 4-1 win over Nottingham Forest & the 2-1 win over Matlock Town is a testament to our commitment to youth development. We aim to build on this moving forward.

Looking ahead, we will be launching a higher education learning programme in September. This initiative will further player development and create new pathways into the first team, as well as offer work experience opportunities all while studying a degree.

Engagement with our junior teams of DLFC & Basford United has been an importance and they have taken part in match day duties From mascots to flag bearers and ball boys, we are enhancing their matchday experiences, encouraging them to remain part of the Basford United family and progress through our ranks.

With momentum on our side, we head into Saturday’s match with confidence. We expect the return of a couple of injured players and will be aiming to extend our home winning streak by securing another three points.

Thank you for your continued support. Let’s keep pushing forward together!

David Lilley.