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Town chairman reflects on first six months
WITH the current United Counties Premier League campaign reaching its halfway mark, Sleaford Town chairman Tony Farrow has spoken of his first six months in charge, expressing satisfaction at the progress made during a most difficult time, whilst being well aware of those areas still needing attention.
Mr Farrow took over shortly after the resignation of Kevin Scrupps, hitherto chairman of both the senior football club and the governing body of the Eslaforde Park stadium, Sleaford Sports Association. His departure, along with several others, left a huge gap in the ranks of club officials and committee.
It also meant that the new club chairman had a difficult act to follow, with Mr Scrupps recognised as the man responsible for the realisation of the dream - the building of the Eslaforde Park stadium.
However, Mr Farrow brought with him considerable experience in the world of business, his term of office in the police service having been followed by employment as senior legal advisor for aviation security UPS. Since arriving in Sleaford 13 years ago, he has served on numerous committees connected with sport and other social activities.
Mr Farrow said: "With manager Brian Rowland left to hold the fort virtually on his own, he approached me to consider allowing my name to go forward as chairman. I was both honoured and excited, although it was also rather daunting.
At the first meeting, when Brian was the only real link with the former committee, a number of other club stalwarts had come forward to offer their support, including several former players. Considering the state of the club at the time, we have come a long way."
The club's new chairman may have a deep-seated determination to make the club successful but he is one who prefers the quiet approach.
"We had to sit down and look at the needs of the club as they were at that difficult time, not least the worrying financial position," he said. "While it has improved considerably, there is more work to be done.
"Considering the ever-growing size of this town, I do feel that the club does not get the support it deserves, either from local businesses or through the turnstiles. There is still a tendency in some quarters for the negatives to be emphasised rather than the positives.
"On the field of play, things have gone well. Despite the usual comings and goings, we have attracted a decent squad of players and have made the longest-ever run in the FA Vase competition."
As for the future, Mr Farrow said, "I do have a real belief in this club and what it can achieve. Nonetheless, we do need to be aware of any shortcomings in our administration, not least the need to tighten the lines of responsibility.
"We have reached a very good level of football and it needs to be backed by an equally high level of supervision. Only then can we consider the next step forward, which is to take the team higher up the football pyramid.
"That is not just a pipe dream; after all, only a few years ago the present status could hardly have been anticipated. However, I do appeal for more support from the good people and businesses of the town."
Mr Farrow would like to hear from any individual or organisation that can help in any way.
There is also a need for more help on match days on a non-committee basis. Anyone who can assist is asked to contact secretary Steve Thomas on 01529 415250.
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Weather for Sleaford
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: -4 C to -1 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South
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