Following the takeover and new management of the club, Walton & Hersham FC will be bringing in a raft of new ideas and approaches to drive the club forward in the forthcoming season and beyond.
In taking over the club, the new owners have undertaken significant due diligence across all areas of the club and aim to re-galvanise and re-energise these. It is recognised that a stronger interaction with the supporter’s base is needed, and from the forthcoming season onwards supporters can be assured that this will be actively sought – both in the ways in which the club disseminates information and how it converses with supporters personally and online.
It is proposed a supporter’s group is established immediately for the upcoming season; to be run and managed by the supporters, with the group actively encouraged to voice opinions, suggestions and problems whenever deemed necessary.
As mentioned in the earlier statement; George Busumbru will be managing the First Team this season. George is presently planning friendlies and trials and is actively seeking to finalise his first-team coaching and backroom staff. George will also oversee the new U18 Walton & Hersham FC side. The team will compete in the Allied Counties League – with the overall running of the team being handled through existing academy staff.
The Under-23 team will be discontinued for the foreseeable future.
The new Walton & Hersham FC Executive and Management team also looks forward to strengthening and extending its partnership with the junior set-up, and will actively seek to engage in meetings to move matters forward.
Both the Senior and U18 teams have been entered into their respective cups for next season – the Seniors also contesting the FA Cup and FA Vase, whilst the U18s also playing the FA Youth Cup.
As a result of the takeover, both Alan and Toby Smith are changing their executive positions at the club with Alan becoming the non-executive President and Toby becoming non-executive Vice Chairman to oversee and work with the new management after such a long tenure of ownership. After 25 years at the club from when he started out as youth team manager, Alan Smith is owed a great debt of gratitude by all the fans of Walton & Hersham FC, for keeping this great club going in difficult times especially when the club left their Stompond Lane home of many years. Alan & Toby would like to go on record to thank the loyal fans and particularly the long standing volunteers that commit their time every week.
The new executive (all teenagers and hereafter referred to as the ‘Class of 18’) will comprise of six university students – all locals to the area: Calogero Scannella will serve as Club Secretary, Jack Newton as Chairman, Sartej Tucker will oversee the club’s media, communication and brand, Thomas Bradbury and Reme Edetanlen will control the purse strings and will serve as Treasurers and Ben Madelin will be the Director of Football, with Calogero and Jack assisting.
The supporters of Walton & Hersham FC must realise that the project ahead of rebranding and relaunching the club will not be a simple one. However, with the right energy, attitude and support we aim to be back amongst the higher leagues within the coming seasons. We can’t (and will not) do this by just throwing money at problems. This will require that supporters do their bit too; spread the word, volunteer, criticise us in a constructive way – understanding the limitations of our situation – and help to up those home game gates by getting lapsed supporters to come and watch us again. We were the biggest team in Surrey once and we can – with everyone pulling in the same direction – certainly reach that top tier again.
Information concerning the pricing of ticketing (day, season and junior schemes) will soon be announced. The club will aim to operate a two tier season ticket plan for Season 19/20. With the ‘standard ticket’ enabling access to all home First Team fixtures, and the ‘elite ticket’ granting access to all home games for the both the First Team and the U18 team.
If there is anyone who would be interested in volunteering or helping out in any capacity at the club this season, the club would be hugely grateful for your support – please contact waltonhersham2019@gmail.com if you are interested.
Further information about this season will be released in due course, please keep an eye on our website and Twitter page @waltonhershamfc for updates.
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For press and related enquiries, please email waltonhersham2019@gmail.com
