"Firstly, I wanted to start my first ever Chairman’s blog by saying a huge thank you to every single person I’ve encountered, spoken to, met, and come into contact with since I’ve been at Basford United.

"From staff, players, junior teams and supporters, everyone has been extremely welcoming, friendly, honest, and understanding in my first month or so in the role, and my wife Sue and I could not be more appreciative and grateful.

"Secondly, I hope you can all join us at Greenwich Avenue this afternoon for an all-important Northern Premier League fixture against FC United of Manchester. I saw the impact the fanbase can have on our players at our first win of the season at our last home game and this really can galvanise us again today.

"Having joined Basford United at the same time as our managers, James and Danny, it is important I share with you our initial assessment and vision. On appointment, we were delighted our owner has, and will continue to, honour his budget commitments for the club for the duration of this season.

"However, it has been very clear that the size of our current squad was way too high, running at 25, and we have been addressing this balance over the last month, whilst still bringing in a few new players. Therefore, seeing the level of players leave, either out on loan or permanently, is part of this process to provide our management with the much-needed flexibility to go into the transfer market.

"Going forward, we do see this squad kicking on and we are really confident results will pick up. We like this group of players and feel it requires a few tweaks and additions here and there and the results will take care of themselves.

"From my perspective I am very keen to focus hard on developing self-sustainability, facility utilisation through sponsors, fans, clubhouse parties and generally promoting the many positive aspects of what Basford United offers.

"I also am very keen to involve our juniors and maintain the great work of the academy and ladies, as well as the community engagement, with prime focus on building our perception, both locally and nationally.

"Over the next month, when my next blog will be posted, more things will have developed, and I can’t wait to share with you the ideas we want to have in place and implement in the short, medium, and long term.

"Yours in sport and see you later on!"

Rudy Funk,
Chairman, Basford United Football Club