Having reached the grand old age of 73 it's time to retire from my commitments to Needham Market Football Club and spend more time with my wonderful wife Kate, family and friends.
Before all that happens at the end of September let me take you on an amazing journey back in time.
It was some 18 years ago that I first walked through the entrance to Bloomfield's having parked on a muddy swamp we now call the 3G. It was impossible not to be taken aback by the passion and commitment of all those involved at the time.
So, within a short time I had joined these amazing people in helping to transform this club into what it's become today.
Where to start and who to mention is so difficult and apologies to anyone I miss.
We must start with the volunteers, this group of dedicated supporters dismantled the old pitch side perimeter fence and replaced with the current red "rebound fence".
Mark M achieved promotion to Step 3, historically we were getting promoted every 5 or 6 years. The "Dillon Lockwood" stand was constructed by Jerry, Nicky, Sid and I am sure others.
Then we really picked up the pace with Graham and Co bringing the 3G pitch to fruition. Special mention here to Rob Peace who at the time was successful in obtaining the largest grant ever awarded, £480,000 to a club of our standing.
From then on the club went through the gears at an unbelievable pace both on and off the pitch. Graham oversaw (and mostly financed) the Hub building. A new turnstile block and beer garden was constructed, the clubhouse bar and dressing rooms were revamped, Kate designed and brought the Hub Cafe on stream. The "SHED" drinks outlet was constructed.
At the same time major success was achieved on the pitch, silverware rolled in, memories to last a lifetime. Grown men cried on that day at Yeovil. Burton Albion, York, Hereford on a Tuesday evening drinking in the Ronnie Radford bar, and winning one nil. Spennymoor - on a Tuesday night!!! A 520 mile round trip, rolled into bed at 4.15 am, as the A14 was shut again!!!!!!
Major sponsorship continued to finance various projects, special mention to Barry at The Windscreen Company, also many others, you all know who you are.
We built the club shop and stocked up with NMFC merchandise, also took it "online" and sell literally worldwide. Paul, another club stalwart manages this outlet and he reminds me of a 1970s barber shop when coming out with the classic "something for the weekend sir".
The promotion season to step 2 was a terrific time for all, fantastic players, the management team of Kevin and Tom, a winning combination. Whilst relegation was disappointing, players, management and supporters experienced some amazing stadiums. From that one season at step 2 we were able to access another huge grant which enabled the construction of the new all seater stand etc at Bloomfields. One of the final pieces of the jigsaw is the LED Scoreboard which is another great addition to Bloomfield's.
Now let's talk about the playing staff, how proud we all are to see Keiran and Luke play over 500 games each for NMFC, not to forget Jake who is rapidly approaching that milestone also, truly remarkable and almost unprecedented at this level. Dan, another truly loyal servant, thanks go to all of you, past and present.
Winners of the Suffolk Premier Cup 5 times in the last 6 seasons, is just remarkable.
The academy just goes from strength to strength, outstanding academic achievements with thanks Sam, young lads, learning their trade, one lad (Charlie Wood) even progressing to captain ITFC U18's.
A new era is emerging, I have formed a new commercial team in Adam, Richard, and Rob, have also brought in Ben (the original drummer boy) as the new vice chairman to lead this important side of the club. Major changes are in the planning stages with music events etc upcoming. Rob has contacted a number of Premier League Clubs with a view to offering away supporters visiting ITFC the opportunity to use our extensive facilities prior to continuing their journey to Portman Road.
My sincere thanks go out to all those committee members who supported me on this journey from commercial director to vice chairman and finally to CEO, and I can't end without a special mention to Kenny, our groundsman, a truly remarkable man, if anyone was to be given the title Mr NMFC he is the man, cheers bud, thanks for everything, could not have done it without you.
Finally, I truly believe that in years to come supporters will look back, (like with ITFC in 1981) and say "Those were the days"
Regards,
Dave Clarke
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