I hope everyone is well and healthy at this difficult time. It has now been three months since the first team played their last competitive game, a narrow 2-1 defeat to Marlow in the FA Trophy. We, as a football club and a board, want football back as much as everyone at all the levels below step 3 and as soon as this is possible and we will do everything within our power to make that happen.

At our level, it’s so important to come back at the right time, this time with hopefully no reason to lockdown again. The most important thing for me is to get back with our fans so we come back as a family and enjoy the things that make non-league what it is, the game on the big screen before our match, the banter in the bar over a few beers, meeting the opposing committee and fans and making that magical non-league connection for the day. The banter in the bar after a game, for anyone that hasn’t experienced it, is second to none and to meet the players that have just put on a show is also special.

As a club, during lockdown, we are still continuing our commitment to make the club a better place to visit on your return. We have a new carpet in the clubhouse, a new portable cabin has arrived to give us more indoor space, new awnings will be on the end of the clubhouse to create an outdoor space with heaters, the floodlights will be at full capacity with bulb replacements. Also, work on the pitch is ongoing so that, although we are not playing, the pitch will be ready for when we return.

Our fight to stay at Broadwater continues also behind the scenes with discussion with the right people and, whatever the outcome, we as a board will come out with the best possible solution that our club is allowed.

I would also like to thank our sponsors who have their own problems at this difficult time but have so far stuck by us. It’s critical at this time that this is the case.

As a club during this pandemic, we have lost some good friends and when we are back we will do everything we can to remember them and give them the send-off they deserve.

For anyone that’s struggling out there, just remember football will be back and the great social days that we had before, we will have again. it’s all done in the best way at our football club at all levels, including all the sides we have, and I for one can’t wait to welcome you back.

Steve Davis
Chairman, Berkhamsted FC