James Leary provides a New Year message…
It’s been another 12 months of progression for our football club. Wind the clock back to last season, after 23 games we had picked up 18 points and were firmly in the relegation zone. We all know the run we went on from February and this season after 23 games we find ourselves on 34 points and 2 points outside the play-offs, despite a horrendous injury list. With Bobby and Youngy together we have built a strong squad and one that is working hard to do Marine Football Club proud.
The backing we have received from supporters is only growing – the away support has been magnificent this year and I think by the end of the season home attendances will be there or there abouts where we were last year and we won’t suffer from a “2nd year dip”. I have no doubt that the attendance against Southport would have approached 5,000 if capacity wasn’t limited such was the demand for tickets in the week before the game. The support with our Virtual Season Ticket and Boost the Budget initiatives have increased this year. Our merchandise sales have also been exceptional. Thanks to everybody for their contribution.
Other clubs tell us regularly that we are a good addition to the league and we are loving being part of it and will aim to keep progressing, despite our comparatively low budget. Off the pitch, we have completed all of the items in our stadium that we were aiming to complete which include the community hub which has been a massive success and the new stand. We are now at the saturation point in terms of the work that can be done at our stadium. But we have a great community facility and a stadium that is fully compliant with National League North grading.
2026 will be the most significant year in the 131-year history of Marine Football Club. We know we have outgrown our College Road site as was demonstrated on Boxing Day. We know that ground grading regulations are becoming more stringent and this continues to threaten the future of the club. The tragic death of Billy Vigar this year and many other examples continue to further change FA attitudes towards grading requirements. We know that there is only one possible land option for us to move to and if it is not at the proposed Edge Lane site then it won’t happen at all. We know that this is the only chance to guarantee Marine’s existence for another 131 years. We know this new stadium will really put us in the same category as the likes of AFC Fylde, Chester and others. It is now or never. We are still working hard with Bellway Homes to prepare the full planning application which will be submitted in 2026 following the pre-planning application which was submitted earlier this year. I would like to thank Bellway Homes, the landowner, PWA Planning and Tony Diaz for their continued support as we progress towards what will be a great community benefit scheme. I would also like to thank Sefton Council, Bill Esterson MP and Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotherham for their ongoing assistance and support for the scheme.
I would like to say a well done to Graeme Gardiner and the team at Marine In The Community who have expanded their work again and put in so much effort to realise the Community Hub which will make a difference to so many people. It was a fitting end to the year to attend the Christmas Eve event with our own choir leading festivities and seeing a packed hub really enjoying it with free bacon and sausage barms provided by MITC. Although my singing left a lot to be desired!
Our midweek BTEC based Academy continues to strengthen and the regular appearance of 3 players in our first team squad demonstrates the success. Well done to Lee, Chris and the team. Our new weekend Academy in our 7Elite partnership is also progressing. If any players are interested in either playing for our BTEC based midweek academy or in our weekend academy playing in the West Cheshire League contact me and I will link you in with the respective teams.
Our Women’s team has consolidated this season after the promotion they achieved last year. Well done to Von, Mark and the team for pushing us forward over the last 12 months.
Darren Court, our Commercial Manager, who joined recently has been a great addition to the club and we are constantly exploring new ways of generating revenue into the football club. Anyone wanting to get involved or who can help please get in touch with him at partnerships@marinefc.com. The food and entertainment of our matchday hospitality in the Carlsberg Suite and in the new Community Hub is among the best at the level – contact Tony Bradshaw our host at hospitality@marinefc.com with any enquiries. Jack Barton our Bar & Events manager is doing everything to grow the clubrooms trade – contact barandevents@marinefc.com with any ideas or functions@marinefc.com to hire the rooms.
Supporter Paul Sutherland has taken his own initiative to come to us to with the idea of a new Independent Supporters Board. It was my hope that this board would bring new people forward who want to get involved in Marine Football Club. From the names of the people who have enquired that has been the case and I look forward to seeing how this progresses in 2026 and the positive impact it has on the progression of the club.
I would finally like to thank all of our dedicated sponsors, in particular Marine Travel, our supporters, virtual supporters, The Crosender Way, Marine In The Community staff and volunteers, MFC volunteers including stewards, pitch staff and media team, our bar and kitchen staff, the Club board and all management teams across our setup who are all working hard and pulling together to take Marine Football Club forward.
Have a great celebration tonight and I look forward to seeing everyone in 2026.
As always any comments or questions contact me direct at ceo@marinefc.com
Happy New Year
James