I've been criticised a number of times since appointing Simon Garner as manager, for not selecting an experienced manager. It's clear to me that experience doesn't give any guarantees of success. Clitheroe FC has a proud history of bringing young players on and seeing them progress so it seemed logical to give a young manager the chance.

Since I got involved in football in 1992, my motivation has been to encourage first children and now young men to realise their full potential. Simon's appointment is a continuation of that principle. The other benefit is that I know him as a man and trust him. Honesty is not a commodity easily found in non-league football.

My hopes for the club are well documented and the principle should be on my epitaph. We should strive to be the best we can be with the resources and limitations that we have. Clitheroe FC will operate within its means as long as Andrew and I are in control and we won't veer from that path.

Everyone, especially the supporters, want to see a settled team and the contract players give us that stability. We are protected from approaches but are also able to show our faith in those players.

In June I was elected as a Northern Premier League, Evo-Stik League Director. It was a surprise to be approached but I'm enjoying it and have learned a great deal.

During the last few weeks work has slowed down at the ground. Billy, Peter and Stuart are there every day but their efforts are now concentrated on the pitch, particularly after a match but there is still much to do.

We need to replace our tractor before the grass starts growing again and our next project will have to be the replacement of the Sponsor's Lounge, fingers crossed that the winter weather is kind to us. Hopefully there will still be FA grants available when we are ready to go.

I'm absolutely delighted with the way the website is going. I never expected our ranking to go to these levels and it's all thanks to James. I would like to thank all the people who have given interviews because there is no doubt that it has raised our profile and if that is reflected at the turnstile it can only be good commercially.

The future well that’s the main reason I’m addressing you all now. On the pitch I want to see Simon and Ryan continue until long after I've retired and go from strength to strength. We have to keep it sensible and recognise the club's limitations but I think they can do a good job for us.

In my time at the club we have always had to start again in June to attract players but I'm hopeful that the majority of players we have on our books now will return for another season.

They are a great bunch of lads, funny, respectful, and a joy to work with. Tom and Mark are doing a great job with the under 18s and there is a very real chance of a couple of players breaking into the first team in time.

Off the pitch I'm genuinely worried. Andrew's interview recently listed all the jobs he does and my list is no shorter. I'm disappointed that the genuine supporters don't come forward to help us out with match days. Neither of us have any more family members to go at.

I would like to be working with people who could carry on when I retire/resign but it's not happening. We are vulnerable because of our lack of volunteers. Those of us who put the games on do our best and we know that it is appreciated but we need help preferably before we come to resent the time that we give and the work that is involved.