Chairman’s Update
AS we move through an important stage of the season, around one-third of the way in, I wanted to update supporters and our wider community on a number of key areas across the club.
We currently sit 10th in the league, just a couple of points outside the play-off places — a solid position heading into a busy November period (including a home draw in the FA Trophy), followed by what is always a demanding Christmas schedule. Recent results haven’t mirrored the strong start we made, and that disappointment has been shared by everyone across the club — players, staff and supporters alike.
We’ve faced a difficult spell with significant injuries and illness. Key players such as George Horbury and Kole Hall have been unavailable, along with other important squad members missing multiple games. At times we’ve been without 5–6 first-team players, which naturally disrupted the momentum built earlier in the season.
I want to personally thank everyone for the immediate support shown to Kole through the fundraiser launched by the Magpie Trust. Kole is a private and humble young man, but we have reached a stage where support and awareness are essential. With his blessing, the Trust set up the GoFundMe page, and on behalf of Kole and his family, thank you for your messages, generosity and care.
Despite the challenges, we remain close to the play-offs thanks to our strong start. As players return — and we saw some back at the weekend — we are confident the team can regain rhythm and push toward the play-off places come the end of the season. Our history tells us we “usually finish in the play-offs”, but nothing is guaranteed; we must earn it again, scrap for every point and stay competitive throughout.
Scrapping and fighting is who we are — both on and off the pitch. That identity is driven by the leadership of Andy Preece and his staff, including Chris Anderson. Their professionalism, values and commitment continue to guide the club through challenging moments. They feel difficult results more than anyone, and I know how determined they are to rediscover our early-season form. We value them immensely, and we know supporters do too. Their contribution stretches far beyond the first-team environment, and they represent our club with pride.
To our loyal supporters — thank you. Your commitment at home and across the country means so much. It’s in tough spells that true support shines, and it is genuinely appreciated. The vast majority of our fanbase continues to back the lads in the right way. Thank you for your passion and belief.
Our ownership remains fully committed to supporting and progressing the club. As always, the approach is sustainable and realistic which is focused on long-term growth of the club rather than chasing short-term, first team success through risky financial decisions. We continue to build a community-driven football club that can compete, develop talent, grow commercially and challenge for promotion in the way that we feel is right for us and within our means. Of course this is becoming more difficult. Football is changing, with more clubs going full-time or taking aggressive spending approaches, but our foundations and core values remain strong. We are a committed, humble and determined club with strong community roots - we always remain strong and we will always continue to drive forward.
A real highlight this season has been the progress of our youth setup. From U11s to U18s, alongside our women’s teams and BTEC programme, we now have a clear, coordinated pathway, and performances and growth from the teams have been excellent. We have lots of emerging talent and now offer realistic routes for local children who aspire to play semi professionally or even professionally. Positive discussions with Chorley Council around a dedicated youth facility are progressing really well and we will share more when we can. My thanks go to all youth coaches and to Head of Youth, Gary Donoghue, for his leadership. Please follow our new youth social channels to support the next generation of Magpies.
We continue to enhance the matchday experience, build commercial partnerships and expand community work. We recently welcomed Ben Robson as Commercial Director, who is already engaging businesses and supporters — please contact him at commercial@chorleyfc.com if you’d like to get involved. You might want to try out our newly decorated Carlsberg box which has been refurbished thanks to Hulmesway.
We’ve also welcomed club legends back to Victory Park — Adam Roscoe recently, with Mark Molyneux, Billy McCartney, Mark Patterson and Kenny Myers visiting soon. Supporters can meet them in hospitality — a great chance to reconnect with our history. We aim to grow this initiative further.
The Magpies' Half-Time Challenge in partnership with Currys has been a great success so far — keep an eye out, you might be called up next! Anyone with a valid ticket or advance booking can enter.
On 16 November, we’ll be supporting the Chorley Lights Switch-On with Reverend Richard Coles, who is also attending our match and evening event the day before. The night prior, 14 November, our Community Foundation leads the Big Sleepout at Victory Park, raising funds to support homelessness charities. While I am unable to attend, I encourage supporters to get involved if they can — another fantastic initiative by our Foundation, who continue to make an incredible impact in our town. Look out too for details of our special Christmas Day opening. The Foundation is supporting our Remembrance Day Tributes tomorrow night with the support of local Veterans.
On and off the pitch, Chorley FC has faced challenges and always emerged stronger. We are in a positive place as a club, with so much to be proud of. Yes, results can improve and Preecy and the team is doing everything to ensure they will. With players returning, continued hard work and your backing, we are confident of pushing on.
Tomorrow night we face Alfreton Town and look to begin another strong home run. To go 20 games unbeaten at home recently was a phenomenal achievement — now we aim to build again.
Thank you for your support, passion and belief. Let’s stick together, get behind Preecy and the lads, and attack the rest of the season.
Jamie
