Secretary’s Season Summary 2008 - 2009

We are now drawing to the end of an extraordinarily long season. Good cup runs coupled with the worst weather for many a year have resulted in us playing a number of ‘double headers’ and also having the season extended by two weeks. Despite this long season, enthusiasm has never diminished and we remain as focused on our next game as we were on the first day of the season many months ago.

The spirit that each and every member of the club has shown has enabled us to take not only the league title, but also the showpiece competition of the Orpington and Bromley League, The President’s Charity Cup. The 7 – 0 defeat of Milldean at Bromley FC a couple of weeks ago was the culmination of a truly fantastic cup run, in which we defeated no less than 5 teams from divisions above us to the lift the trophy.

 As the goalkeeper of Kenningwell, the cup final win was the highlight of my season. It was a joy to have such a strong defence in front of me and to see some of our attacking play was more than a pleasure.

 As the Club Secretary, the highlight of the season has been working with such a cracking bunch of lads. Not only the players but also the management team and the other back room staff that work so tirelessly behind the scenes.

 We have made great strides this season both on and off the field. The players, quite rightly, have received great praise for their efforts this season but without the members of the Management Committee there would be no club in the first place. Maurice, our Chairman, has put in a great amount of effort both in managing the Reserve team and helping the club to achieve the FA Standard Charter Award. Maurice also recently attended with myself a vitally important interview to enable the Reserve team to move into the Third Division of the Orpington and Bromley League for next season.

 Brothers Cecil and Leroy have managed the First Team exceptionally well this season. They have pushed the lads throughout the season and must take great credit in the team’s achievements. I honestly believe that their team talks would more than match some of those given by managers in the Football League.

 Lastly, one cannot fail to mention the achievements of our Club Development Officer, Devon Hamilton. Devon has done so much this season that it would be impossible to list it all. There is of course the match day programme, which is now talked about throughout the league. Devon also founded the club website and didn’t waste any time in drafting me into help, something I very much enjoy doing. There is also the up and coming Youth Academy, ably assisted by Curtis Dennie and also the acquiring of the brilliant Crystal Palace Stadium as our home ground.

 Although they never mention it, of course none of the above would be possible if it wasn’t for the enormous amounts of money that the Committee pour into the club. To the players; please remember this when asked to pay your ‘subs’ as without the money the club would not continue.

 I will end with congratulating everyone connected with the club. It has been a remarkable season and will be extremely difficult to emulate next season, although I am sure that we will give it our best efforts.

 Enjoy the close season and I will look forward to seeing you all again at the end of the summer.

By Club Secretary, Pete Midgley