Looking back 2016 has been an interesting time at Market Drayton Football Club. The previous season witnessed the most successful in our history, finishing 11th in the table, which might easily have been higher but for a run of back to back draws towards the end of the campaign. This performance played no small part in the continuation of Martyn Davies as Manager into this season.

The club also set up a Under 21 Team that plays in The Shropshire League, which has introduced new members to the club as well as providing new opportunities for us to engage more effectively with the people of Market Drayton. It was also the introduction to the club of both myself and Vice Chairman Rupert Dyke.

Drayton have been less successful with results this season and we have slipped into the lower reaches of the League. On occasions we have been outplayed, but it is fair to say we've not quite had the rub of the green in the first 20 games of the season; many of you who have watched the games will be able to identify with that.

Despite this the mood of the club is positive and we look forward to challenging our competition and climbing up the League Table.

On other fronts we have progressed well; the T J Vickers Cup sees our next opponents are Whitchurch Alport - Martyn will be looking to mirror last seasons success in this tournament and get to the final and once again win it.

The first 8 months of my time here has been fascinating but also exposed me to a steep learning curve. There are lots of challenges on and off the field at any football club seeking to be successful but the potential here at Market Drayton is clear. I want to see the club continue to be successful and develop the standard we currently operate at, certainly with more local support we can achieve higher levels of success.

Football is highly competitive and full of rivalry but we must remember the game unites us much more than it divides us.

I look forward to meeting as many new faces at the club as possible; and I wish you all the very best for Christmas and for the New Year ahead.

Ben Cockram

Chairman - Market Drayton Town Football Club