Vale chairman says club in strong position at AGM

In his report chairman Paul McLaren-Dorrington believed the club to be in a far stronger position than it had been for a number of years.

He highlighted the sharp rise in the number of functions held in the modernised clubhouse, not only at weekends but during the week.

Further upgrading of facilities will take place when the funding has been secured.

He thanked bar and catering manager Liam Law and Andrea Smith, commercial manager, plus their staff, for their collective efforts for making the club a desirable and popular venue for the wider community.

He also thanked the efforts of chairman of ground Steve Swarbrick and his team, the pitches and surrounding areas were maintained to a high standard.

The chairman pointed out that the club were able to field four senior sides plus the Colts thanks to the strength in depth of a pool of amateur players from the local area.

Under the guidance of coach Dan Williams, who will continue in this position for the coming season, the first team finished in a respectable fifth place in North One West, a great position to build on for the 2016/17 season.

It had been a tough season for the seconds but they not only retained their place in the Premier League but they also showed that they could compete at that level.

Undoubtedly the thirds had experienced a tremendous season and under the guidance of Josh Skivington they gained promotion for the second successive season.

The fourths suffered a treacherous second half to their season but despite all the difficulties they never gave up and spirits remained high.

To finish second to Leigh in their league the Colts had to overcome a number of problems including the unavailability of players on a weekly basis and the restructuring of their league half way through the season.

Ladies rugby returned after a lengthy absence – they played nine friendly fixtures and went on tour to South Wales with 53 players having trained and played over the season as they prepare for their first league campaign in September. Paul Brett-Smith and his well organised team of deputies and volunteers ensured that the mini/junior section continues to thrive.

The chairman thanked Stuart and Ruth Bradburn, Paul Midgley, Sam Trowse, Suzanne Robinson, plus many others who have contributed towards a successful season.

The chairman said the club’s financial position will be presented at the financial AGM but he stressed the importance of clearing outstanding debts and in his closing statement the chairman warned there would be a bumpy road ahead.

Stephen Thompson, squash secretary, reported that the season had fizzled out for both Vale teams in the North West Counties Squash League.