I write the night before our first league derby against old rivals Southport in over 20 years. It is a mark of how far we have come in a short space of time and I know that the lads will give everything tomorrow to try and come away with a result. We have sold 400 tickets already and will have a great following. We need to make sure this is the first of many league duels over the next decade and the healthy rivalry between Marine and Southport continues to grow.
We are over 3 months into the new season. We knew it would be a tough year and I think everybody can see how big the step up is from Step 3 to Step 2 on and off the pitch. It is no coincidence that as I write this that all of the 4 teams who were promoted from Step 3 last season to Step 2 are all struggling. I think it is fair to say that it has taken us longer than we hoped to adjust on and off the pitch however we are adjusting and we need to all stick together and continue to strengthen as the season progresses. We know it will be a big fight to make sure that we maintain our status in the National League North this season but I know that everyone involved in Marine – management, players and supporters are up for that fight.
I am sure that if we do this and achieve our goals this year we will be much stronger next season. You only need to look at a lot of the now established teams like Spennymoor, Scarbrough to see where we need to be.
We have so many positives going in our favour at the moment;
- We have a big increase in support and are in the top half of attendances in the league despite not having played one of the “biggies” yet (Chester, Scunthorpe, Southport etc). Our supporters have been brilliant home and away and even though we have had a slow start I can feel the energy and the fight from everybody.
- Since the first game of season Neil has strengthened the squad with the signings of Joe Mattock, Josh Wardle, James Brown, Enoch Lusiama and Calum Agius on loan from Crewe. Neil is continuing to look for 2 or 3 further additions in the right areas and we will continue to back him to bring in the players we need
- All of the works that we were hoping to be completed in the summer and were continually delayed are now at their conclusion – I am told that the scoreboard and tv gantry will hopefully be completed in time for the Scunthorpe home match on 14th December. The new stand at the Crosender Road end of ground is now to be installed on week commencing 13th January 2025. Our community hub will be installed in January. By the time all changes are done our stadium will look an even more impressive National League North setup
- There has been a lot of off field changes as the season has gone on to the way we operate to be consistent with the level and I can vouch for how much work the board is putting in at the moment
- We have been working non-stop on the new stadium plans and hopefully we have some great progress with a further separate announcement to be made before Christmas
- Our main sponsor Marine Travel and Dave Thompson has been incredible in continuing to further support us
All of the above gives me belief we will continue to progress as the season pushes on and achieve our sole objective this season which is to retain our National North status and I know that everyone involved with Marine – management, players and fans will give everything to make sure it happens.
In terms an update with players; Bobby Grant is finally making some progress and is expected to have a final operation in December and he is targeting a return by the end of January. Brad Grant has sustained a knee injury and has returned to Burnley. We wish him well in his recovery. Chanka and Ola Lawal have left the club
I look forward to seeing everyone at the match tomorrow and fingers crossed we can get the result we hope for
James Leary
James Leary
CEO
Marine Football Club
Marine Travel Arena
127 College Road | Crosby | Liverpool | L23 3AS M: 07800 509 593
E: ceo@marinefc.com | W: www.marinefc.com
