Welcome to the Magpies
Now that the dust has settled relegation is confirmed I am afraid, and we have just heard from the League that, as we half expected, we will line up in the Western Section of Division One next season. A little more surprisingly is that Okehampton Argyle have been moved sideways into this Division having played in the Eastern Section last season. This does, of course, give us another local derby, and very welcome it is, as the next nearest are Camelford and Callington. That said last season we had only one local trip, to Launceston, writes Alistair Clements.

It is now worthy of a few ideas /comments to be put into print, they are not necessarily those of the Club.

Season past. The season has been difficult resulting in relegation but it is not the end of civilisation as we know it. In every country in the world someone, somewhere suffers the same fate and someone else gets promoted. It goes with the territory. What you have to do is to re-group, re-organise and try again next season. Players will come (especially younger ones through the ranks) and you rebuild your side in a slightly more forgiving environment building up experience.

Behind the Scenes. It is appropriate to publicly thank all the backroom workers (who rarely get a mention or public round of applause) and without whom the Club simply would not exist. Not only the first team but second, third, youth, junior sides all have people running them, giving up their time voluntarily. There are obviously the Committee, Players, Managers and Coaches but Physios,Tea ladies, Fund raisers, Groundsman, Kit cleaning Lady, Turnstile Attendants, Programme Editor, Maintenance helpers, Linesman and goodness knows who else all putting in their two pennyworth. I suspect that the total is not far short of 100, offering some time and help (and at times at some personal cost) to keep everything ticking. Nothing happens by accident, someone, somewhere has to undertake it.

Attendances. Despite the difficult season the average attendance was about 91, only a few short of the previous season's 101. This was higher than many in the Division, well into the top half and much, much higher than almost all in the lower division. The highest gate was 186, one of the highest attendances anywhere in the League. It is a testament to the goodwill in the town (and bear in mind that Holsworthy is one of the smallest towns represented in the League) that gates have held up. If the weather had not been so atrocious in mid-season the average might well have been higher.

Finances. At the present time the Club has no significant debts, or borrowing which is more than Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and virtually every other Premiership side can say. It has a couple of quid in the bank which is highly commendable, at least one local club has debts of over £40,000 plus. All clubs have to make returns to the Revenue, our account is clear, one club is said to have been fined £20,000 for playing fast and loose. Financial probity keeps you alive, financial mismanagement kills you off.

Costs. Next season some costs will reduce, clubs provide their own linesman for instance, but bills still need to be paid, the last electricity bill alone was for £900 odd, insurance needs to be paid as does rent, water, repairs, kit, balls, and many other unavoidable items. Overall expenditure will have to trimmed but travelling costs will likely increase with some substantial trips looming. Entrance charges will probably reduce or at worst stay the same as these are set by the League, not by the Club. 

Players. As mentioned elsewhere in one of the match reports a number of players stood by us through thick and thin (rather more thin than thick) and all credit to them. Many have said that they would remain with the Club next season and the nucleus of the side should be existing experienced players bolstered by a few imports but with a policy of bringing forward talented local youngsters, of whom there are a number. It is hoped that 70 to 80 percent will be local which most supporters want to see.

Teams. The First Team gets most of the publicity but let us not forget that there are the Reserves, Third Team, Youth, Juniors with their own Managers and Committees, they are largely unsung, and unnoticed but they are all part of the Club, we want to see these progress and in time their players to grace the First Team. They do go unnoticed but that does not suggest lack of commitment from their organisers.

Juma Trophy. It has already been announced that Holsworthy will host one of the games, hopefully a League Club; latest rumour suggests a second game as well. Top local non-league sides also compete, such as Bideford (next season probably in the Southern League after promotion from the Western League), and Barnstaple. In previous seasons this competition has included League sides such as Blackpool, Grimsby, Yeovil, Torquay, Wycombe Wanderers, Luton Town (prior to their relegation) etc and we are waiting to hear who we will host. A really attractive competition in late July, a really good game will be a real coup for us and for the town and could attract a gate of 700 to 800 plus. Watch this space for the identities of clubs invited to play.

Next Season. The level of play in the regional Division means a lower standard as many of the sides in the Premier division were well up to Western League level and many defeated higher league opponents in cup competitions. The club should certainly be looking to be promotion candidates, if the present squad plus a few imports to supplement good local youngsters can gel a successful campaign could be in store, a few former players are known to be interested in returning and it could be a very interesting time indeed.
Facilities. Holsworthy will have facilities equal to the best and better than most clubs. It has its own ground, floodlights, proper changing facilities, Social Club, Tea point, ample parking, seating and covered stand and at this level it ticks all the boxes.
If you haven’t been before, come along!

D.A.Clements
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Last month the Club was able to announce that it had been selected to benefit from the Waitrose Community Matters Scheme.The Club has now received a cheque for a significant amount from Waitrose for which it is very grateful. The Club would like to thank Waitrose and its local staff for the support which it has been able to offer.It is much appreciated.