When Mr Munroe took over, Basford had just finished second in the Notts Senior League, not even on the football pyramid. “At that time, we had a great bunch of lads who formed a real bond and played hard but enjoyed the social just as much. These lads though formed the nucleus for the next few years and we as a club owe a debt of gratitude to these lads & coaches such as Martin Soley, Darren Saunders, Russ Best and Andrew Frawley.”

The last ten years have brought Basford huge success and the club has changed a lot. “Back in 2010 we had just 2 teams a 1st team, a reserves and no juniors,” Mr Munroe recalled, “The ground was not a ground but an open field, no floodlights no stands no changing rooms, a sloping pitch and lots and lots of weeds!”

Since 2010, Basford have won five promotions, three Notts Senior Cups and two league and cup doubles thanks to the chairman, the managers and the players on the pitch.

Mr Munroe fondly remembered seeing players such as ex-Aston Villa forward Lee Hendrie, Ruben Wiggins-Thomas who scored 48 goals in the 2015-16 season, Aiden Brady in 2012-13 pull on the Basford shirt in the earlier years of his tenure as well as many more in recent times: “In later years the list is too numerous to mention but the standouts have to be Saul Deeney, Fabian Smith, Matt Thornhill, Dom Roma & Stef Galinski. All of these players (plus almost the bulk of the 2019-20 retained squad) represent everything we stand for as a football club: will, desire, ability & nice people.”

What were your best moments? “Without question, the 2011-12 & 2012-13 double-winning seasons under Darren Saunders/ Russ Best & Andy Frawley were my most enjoyable but closely followed by the 2015-16 Midland League Title under Martin Carruthers/Chris Freestone & Mark Clarke. Some may view this as strange given the successes of later years, but both 2011-12 & 2012-13 years success were achieved on relatively low budgets that meant we didn't have as much a pressure of expectation to succeed.
The later years success has obviously been superb with the record breaking 2017-18 NPL South Division title under Martin, Mark Clifford & Rob Duffy, a very special time & memorable period. 2019/20 Voiding was such a shame, as we felt we were more than capable of going up through the playoffs. But for total enjoyment by me it’s these 3 early years title successes & the end of season trips to Majorca & Ibiza that followed all !! .”

What does the future hold for you as Basford United chairman? “For me, I have always said to my wife, Jo, I will keep doing this and pumping money in until I lose the desire, or I do not enjoy it any more or my health is failing. I’ve enjoyed every minute under Steve Chettle this season. I feel motivated to back Steve to get us to where we aspire to be, and I have publicly said we are working to a 4-year objective then I will sail off into the sun.”

Mr Munroe said promotion to the National League is his aim however, he also values leaving the club in a self-sustainable position.

“My main ambition is to make Basford United FC & CFC the 1st choice for any youngsters who are prepared to buy into our ethos and dreams & work damn hard to get us there.
“I also want the club to be self-sustaining by the time I depart so it’s no big drama when I do eventually pack it in. But even when I do a financial structure will be in place on a reducing annual scale.

Given the current situation, the club has taken a hit financially but thanks to Mr Munroe, the club’s future is in safe hands.

“The club cashflow forecasts have been budgeted by me now for the period, and we will survive but only just based on no income until August 2020.

“We will be reducing our operating 1st team squad down from 23 to 16 which will take the pressure off the 2020/21 squad budget but retain the extremely competitive wage offerings we work too for the right players both internally and externally.

“Steve Chettle has some excellent contacts so it’s likely we will exploit the loan market a little more than previous years if needed. We are very confident of landing the key targets that we have identified on top of two great signings in Kyle and Marcus. We are really excited & expect to clinch several more deals as well as the final negotiations from our retained list from our 2019-20 squad.

Finally, the chairman has a message for fans: “Stay safe and well and protect your families. I look forward to seeing our fans/club and followers as soon as safely possible but please keep safe during this period then we can all have one hell of a party & hopefully we can gain promotion!”