A Time for Thanks

This week has seen some of the thickest snow in my lifetime come down on Sheffield. Combined with the failure of the bid to host the 2018 World Cup, this has left us all feeling rather deflated, but we will dust ourselves down. Disappointment is part and parcel of sport at any level and is something that we all have to come to terms with to make us better people and help us in our working and home lives.

Whilst on the subject of the World Cup bid, I would like to say a big thank you to Wayne Coyle and his Sheffield 2018 bid team, who did a fantastic job promoting the city as part of the English bid. It was a pleasure being able to assist where we could.

I managed to make it up to the BT Local Business Stadium this morning to collect some papers and the ground is covered by a thick blanket of snow, and needless to say there will be no game at the weekend.

India seems like a long time ago, but I would like to thank the lads who stepped in and played for the first team, while we were away. The results were a credit to them and the stand-in manager Ian Whitehorne - thanks Ian.

The performances of some of the youngsters that played have been singled out for special praise and it is heartening to see talented young footballers giving everything for our club. The future does indeed look bright!

As a number of you are probably aware, the manageress of the Coach and Horses, Cat, has returned to her native New Zealand with her partner Kelly. I would like to wish them both well for the future and they are always welcome to pop in for a pint when they are back in the UK. In addition to Cat leaving, the chef, Mark, has also left for pastures new, which provides an opportunity to review our offering. We have decided that to keep the quality of the food for which we are renowned, we are going to restart the food menu after Christmas, rather than rushing matters.  I hope you will all bear with us in the meantime.

The club is offering for sale Sheffield FC Christmas cards. They feature snowy scenes from around the ground, courtesy of some excellent photography by Chris Hatton. The cards are £1 each and can be ordered via the usual contacts at the club. Good stocking fillers are the Boot Bags at a £1 a bag (ideal for the kids).

My thoughts are now turning to the New Year and pursuing the move to Olive Grove. Although there are a number of difficult obstacles to overcome, we must remain positive and hope for the right outcome.