On behalf of Basford United, we would like to wish everyone connected with our club, supporters, followers and the wider football family a very Happy New Year.

2025 marked our 125th anniversary, a year that brought much positivity, but was also coupled with serious lows, including personal and club losses and the bereavement of special members of our close football family.

However, we end the year with a strong sense that all sections of Basford United Football Club, Men’s, Ladies, Academy, Junior and Commercial, are now far more engaged and aligned as a true community football club, alongside us as Owners and our exceptional fanbase. The support shown throughout 2025 has been outstanding, particularly in light of a difficult start to the year and relegation.

Despite a poor first half of 2025, the club still created history by reaching the FA Trophy Fourth Round for the first time, defeating two National League teams, St Albans City and FC Halifax Town, before exiting against Eastleigh.
Commercially, the ground secured a long-term rental agreement with David Lilley FC, meaning over 2,000 children, in addition to Basford United Community FC, now have weekly access to our excellent facilities. This further strengthens the well-regarded pathway from Juniors → Academy → First Team.

Following relegation, as Owners we felt a clear duty to steady the ship, develop a three-year plan, and temper expectations of an immediate, short-lived return to success without a clear and concise strategy. Bringing Martin Carruthers back first as a Director and then into the First Team management role, supported by Saul Deeney, was pivotal in that process.
Our 25/26 Fans Statement focused on regaining our identity as a thriving pathway club and setting a simple aim, to win more games than we lose.

Across the board, we are exceeding expectations. Working closely together, Owners and Management are:

Achieving results and league positions beyond what was anticipated

Seeing pathway progression that is nothing short of staggering, with many young Basford United prospects re-emerging

Finishing 2025 with the First Team in a play-off position, which is a tremendous achievement

Experiencing a rise in attendances that is superb, with gates now comparable to other established local clubs, something once only dreamed of

We will continue to temper expectations, but firmly believe that 2026, 2027 and 2028 can be the best years this club has ever known.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this journey so far, and to those who will play their part in the years ahead.

Finally, as we reflect on New Year’s Eve, we ask everyone to raise a glass to the members of our football family who sadly departed in 2025. The loss of Sam Shaw was a devastating blow felt by many. On a personal note, for all those suffering loss, including my own family following the passing of my father, please know you are in our thoughts as we close out 2025.

Thank you all for your continued and unwavering support of our football club.