An update from our chairman, Jamie Vermiglio: October 2024

While the overall mood remains very positive, the team is understandably frustrated by some recent results, particularly due to late goals conceded against Alfreton, Warrington (via a contentious penalty), and South Shields. These have cost us points that would have placed us at the top of the table. The game against Alfreton, for instance, was challenging and required full concentration and commitment due to their playing style - every throw in is essentially an attack! After battling hard for most of the game and looking set to take a point, conceding late was a bitter pill to swallow.
Despite these setbacks, Preecy and Ando remain focused and we continue to learn with our new team as they prepare for a busy run of fixtures. Saturday’s away game at Spennymoor will be tough, and we know it won’t be easy, but the team is ready for the challenge.
As you know, we are out of the FA Cup after a tough loss to Spennymoor in the qualifying rounds. Ironically, Spennymoor themselves were knocked out of the FA Cup by Alfreton earlier this month—they managed to beat Alfreton during their league fixture on Tuesday, ending Alfreton’s strong run. We will, of course, keep a close eye on the FA Cup and especially on the progress of non-league clubs—there are some excellent fixtures to look forward to.
Our supporters have been exceptional, with over 1,400 attending each of our last two Saturday home games and more than 1,000 joining us on Tuesday night. Visiting teams and officials consistently compliment our ground, pitch, and overall matchday experience. Victory Park is a fantastic place to enjoy non-league football, and your support plays a huge role in creating that atmosphere. We are very fortunate to be in a strong position at the moment.
It’s also important to acknowledge the struggles facing some of our fellow non-league clubs. We’ve been closely following the situation at Bamber Bridge FC, who are currently facing a significant financial crisis, and we are committed to supporting our neighbors as they work to raise £30,000 to cover essential expenses. Thanks to the generosity of many, they’ve already raised close to £20k so far.
Blyth Spartans are also facing turbulence, with the club now up for sale and matches postponed due to the uncertainty. It’s tough times for one of the oldest football clubs in the country.
Meanwhile, Farsley Celtic are dealing with major challenges relating to their new pitch and cash flow problems, preventing them from hosting home games this season. Their players have issued a joint statement expressing concerns over the breakdown in trust with the club’s leadership. It’s a stark reminder of the difficulties non-league clubs can face, even those with a rich history. As a club, we’ve experienced similar struggles, so we empathise with their situation. We hope their issues are resolved soon and we look forward to welcoming their supporters to Victory Park in the future.
Looking ahead, we have plenty of exciting fixtures, both at home and away. One that stands out is our match against Leamington on 9th November, where we will mark the occasion of Remembrance. We will soon share details on how you can get involved in making this a meaningful and memorable event for everyone.
Before I close, I want to take a moment to send our best wishes to two very loyal supporters who have been unwell recently. John Moore, our chief steward and safety officer, has been in hospital for over a week and has just undergone surgery which has been successful. Maureen Wardmen, one of our beloved Golden Girls, has also been unable to attend games due to illness. We miss her post-match debriefs and send our love to both John and Maureen, hoping for their speedy recovery and return to the club soon.
I look forward to the upcoming fixtures with excitement and optimism. The team is in great form and with your continued support, we hope to keep this momentum going. Thank you once again for supporting Preecy and the lads. A special mention to our young contingent who have taken responsibility for the drum! Your drumming and singing is most welcome - the lads love it!
Up The Magpies!