As we look back at 2016, it will be remembered as the year Clapton came of age. We won our first cup (Gordon Brasted Memorial Trophy) in 28 years and we also had more spectators at our home matches than any other club in the league.
It has to be said that the loyalty shown by many of you to Clapton Football Club is phenomenal! There are so many examples of this loyalty, they all can’t be listed here, but I would like to highlight just a few:
- When we look at the current team, we see a lot of new faces, but the Teams still has long time and loyal players such as Jerry, Ninja and Jaffa (some of the new guard will hopefully go on to become long time loyal Tons).
- It’s fair to say that many don’t know it but we have had two or three people maintaining this facility week in and week out this season more than any other. Indeed, when the ground was broken into, the locks were repaired by a neighbour, before I even got to the ground to inspect the damage. That was their contribution in making the facility secure and a generous gesture of loyalty.
- Loyalty, is one of Clapton’s main pillows in its history. A case in point is the individuals who came together to save, maintain and strengthen Clapton Football Club in its hour of need over a decade ago. Without these people Clapton would not be here today. They have, without reward or favour done their work in a quite unassuming, steadfast and resolute manner.
Clapton is currently third in the league, with 2 games in hand over the second placed team, Southend Manor. This position has been achieved through the combined effort of many and we all must say a big thank you to the management team of Jon, Andre, Ray and Lizzy, and to the players. Also, thanks go to Shirley who administrates the whole club, Sandra in finance, both Roberts for keeping the machinery going and assisting with the pitch, Ronnie and Gordon for their work at the club, Shelly for assisting at home matches, Richie who puts the programme together and Ben the printer, Joe for security, Clapton sponsors, GM Rentals and British Painting Elite, and to all of the supporters who have all been a major part of this Clapton team of success.
As we take a very short break to celebrate the end of the year, we will be reflecting on the year gone and preparing for the year ahead. 2017 will undoubtedly be a harder and more challenging time – our application for promotion is in and additional works to the ground are needed to be done by March (if you would like to help with this in any way, please contact us).
Santa may not come to all of our doors with the wishes we want, but we all have the biggest wish of all, which is a safe and healthy Clapton – Christmas will taste a bit sweeter when you look at the league table! We are looking forward to the first match of 2017, when we play Basildon United FC at home.
On behalf of the Clapton family, have a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous, healthy and wealthy 2017.
Vincent McBean
Chief Executive
