POSITIVE ABOUT 2014 FOR CITY

City has a new Chairman and we can go into 2014 with all parts of the Club working together again!

I made no secret of my concern about the way the Club was being led. I do not propose to go over old ground but suffice it to say that the Society, Supporter's Club and Foundation can hopefully now all swing behind the new leadership to face the challenges of the Club's finances.

In all the public statements there were two significant notes for me. Firstly it was clear that this was a divided Board with the former Chairman out on a limb. Secondly, the appointment of a unifying leader following the last 2 years was essential 'as the Club had lost the support of many individuals and groups which are so important to a Club like Bath City'. In the 'did she resign or was she pushed debate'. I'll leave it to you to conclude but most of us know how these things work.

One early bonus from the change is that the Club and Foundation might now be able to take forward the funding application to the Conference Trust. If this can be successfully concluded then this could help the playing budget and specifically might help Adie and Archie fill the gap left by Dan Ball's injury?

I want to pay tribute to Pete Sellwood, who has continued to grow the work of the Foundation, and he has maintained contact with the Conference Trust. This has kept the possibility of funding alive. The Board of trustees has also been strengthened with former City Director John Reynolds now joining.

As importantly, the Supporters Club and Society, who have been effectively excluded from the Club for many months, can now play a full part. We are all City fans and we all want the best for the Club. Paul Williams has encapsulated that very well in his public statements so far.

The Club's AGM heard how the finances for 2012 had worsened in the Conference Premier years and passed the key motion concerning Geoff Todd's loan. I voted for the motion on the basis that the legal advice did not say that this couldn't be done but rather that there might be other options. It was a challenging meeting but I left in no doubt that there was a will to go forward together.

Another New Year's Day and another postponement at Weston! The curse of 'Weston super mud' strikes again! In fairness the rain was atrocious and all games in the Skrill South but one were postponed.

I sensed that City's players and fans were ready to bounce back from the very unlucky defeat at Eastleigh last Saturday. The chance to get rid of the frustration that result brought was lost. But it was more evidence of City's great progress that we can outplay the promotion favourites. Maybe we'll have a chance for revenge in the play off final?

Let's hope that we can get a game played at Mayday Trust Park this coming Saturday against Staines Town.

We remain handily placed in the table with games in hand.

I am looking forward to 2014 off and on the pitch.

A Happy New Year to all those who read this from one very happy Bath City fan!