I became chairman in 2013. Trever Farrington had held the position for 33 years and decided to step down as he felt a change was needed. Having been a founder member and manager of a junior club called Culcheth Athletic I had taken the team I had managed from 6-16 to the Daten when they had become to old for junior football and the majority of them was still playing at the club when Trevor announced his retirement and approached me with the offer of support should i choose to take over.

Since leaving amateur football when my Culcheth Athletic team had moved on I had scouted for Manchester City academy for a few years but had decided that my amateur football days was finished.

When I took over in 2013 we had 2 teams playing in the Warrington league. Reserve team and 1st team playing in the Cheshire league, plus a Vets team playing in the Bolton League.

I have always believed that a club is judged by its 1st team.

That a club must have a balance of junior teams and adult teams so continuity can be created within a club. That a club should have standard home and away colours and as much standard kit, whether you are 6 or 26 years old so you can have identity.

I introduced a blueprint that we adhere to however anyone involved in amateur football knows that's easier said than done. At times it's been 1 step forward and 2 steps back. Some things we have tried have failed whilst others have been successful. However the blueprint remains.

Off the field we have made the facility a Step 7 football charter standard club. Every year in the closed season we embark on a project to enhance the facility. Last year it was hard standing and a small covered supporters stand. The season prevision new 1st team dug outs with AstroTurf. The season before that new dressing rooms. This season we are working on a new warm up area with storage facility and a makeover of the referees rooms.

Like many football clubs you have to push on year on year as I believe to stand still is to go backwards. However all the hard work off the pitch means nothing on the pitch and that is down to players, coaches, managers and parents who without their hard work, dedication and financial support nothing would be possible. Once the whistle is blown results are with the football gods but if you have put the preparation in you probably won't do that badly. As a wise man once said those who fail to prepare had better prepare to fail.

This season will be my 8th season as chairman. Keeping subs as low as we can is only 1 of numerous balls I juggle daily but that comes with the job (unpaid) as anyone in my position will tell you. Getting the balance right is the key factor as a happy club is a successful club.
We start the season having prepared as best we can under difficult unprecedented circumstances. We will have 3 teams in the Cheshire league led by our Premier league management of Paul Anderson, Ryan Lees, Nick Hampson. Supported by a new coaching and management set up for the reserves and Development teams.

Supported by Stuart Lisle u17 teams who will be representing the club in the Bolton and and Bury Saturday league and the Warrington Sunday league. With a set up which allows young players to go from junior to senior football when and as the time is right
With U16, 2x u14s teams and u11s.

Continuity and a clear pathway from junior to 1st team football.

Nothing can be done without a good team around you and that's what football is, a team sport.

Daten Football Club