News

I would like to start by wishing all connected with Leamington FC a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous 2021.

This year has been challenging for all, not to mention a tad stressful with last season being curtailed in March and having to wait until August to see a ball kicked at the Community Stadium again. A late start to the season, coupled with Covid postponements have thrown further ingredients into the cake that is 2020. Incredible determination has been shown by everybody both on and off the pitch. Volunteers were at the ground every week during the summer to make sure the ground would be ready for the restart of football which eventually came after what felt like forever and have been an enormous help ensuring that games could go ahead ‘Behind Closed Doors’. On the pitch we head into the festive season eighth in the league table, only one goal outside of the play off places, and into the last 32 of the FA Trophy after a great win against higher tier Wrexham last weekend.

I would like to thank our sponsors for their continued support these last twelve months and look forward to building bridges with new potential sponsors and further developing our relationship with all of them in the New Year. A massive shout out to our Media Team for their efforts in developing a first class media content and for delivering ‘live streaming of games to keep you the fan base engaged – they truly are delivering one of the best products in the whole of the National League. Additionally, you the fans supported us magnificently in financial terms in the summer through the ‘Boost Your Club Scheme’ and we look forward to honouring those pledges as soon as life returns to normality.

In my programme notes during the season I have mentioned on several occasions that I believe this is the strongest squad we have had at Leamington since the re-birth of the club, with all the summer signings coming in and making their mark. The ex-Hereford combination of Lance Smith and Simeon Maye have fitted superbly into the team with Kyle Morrison, from Alvechurch, settling in very well in the defensive unit Paul Holleran has built. Danny Waldron is now making his mark since joining from Rushall, scoring his first goals in the 5-0 win over St Ives in the FA Trophy. And how could anyone forget Sam Osborne, his fantastic performances catapulting him to second in the goal scoring charts and winning him the prestigious National League North Player of the Month Award for November. Whilst Dan Meredith has had limited starts at present it is clear to see that he too will make valuable contributions this campaign. All the seasoned campaigners in the squad seem to have had a boost with the arrival of the newcomers and I find it hard to think of anyone who has not made a step up in performances this season.

Our Community Section continues to expand and place Leamington FC at the heart of the community with the launch of the Brakes Community Foundation this last summer. Finally I would like to thank my Board of Directors for all their efforts in steering us through these rocky times and to the growing band of volunteers who do so much and without whom we could not sustain our club at the current level of football.

Sadly we had a major loss some months ago with the passing of our former Chairman and President Mick Brady. He truly was ‘Mr Leamington’ and without Mick’s efforts over 25 plus years we probably would not have the club we have today. We owe Mick and his family a lot and that is something we will recognise in the coming year.

Of course, everyone’s well being is the most important thing in these challenging times with my key wish being that you all have a safe Christmas and enjoyable festive period. Here’s to 2021, who knows what it’ll have in store for the club!

Jim Scott
Chairman

Leamington will travel to Kettering Town in the Fourth Round Proper of the FA Trophy. The Brakes beat National League play off chasers Wrexham on penalties at the weekend to extend their unbeaten run to eleven, the joint sixth-highest unbeaten run in Europe, level with clubs like Bayern Munich and Villarreal. The Poppies on the other hand beat Ashton United to reaach the Fourth Round and know the Brakes well as they currently ply their trade in the National League North.

The tie is set to be played on Saturday 16 January.  As a result of progression in the Trophy, our scheduled home game in the Vanarama National League North against Guiseley has been postponed and is set to be rescheduled.

The Quakers of Darlington will now travel to Leamington on 2nd February 2021 in a rearranged Vanarama National League North fixture. The game will be played at the Community Stadium with a 7.45pm kick off time. Both previous scheduled games this season between the two sides have been postponed as a result of positive Covid-19 tests within squads with this being the third date this game has been arranged for.