JAMES LEARY – CEO UPDATE

“As another season draws to a close, I reflect on another positive 12 months for Marine Football Club where we hit the following milestones:

– First Liverpool Senior Cup win since 2008

– Average attendances in 2nd half of season c. 1,500

– Highest league position since 2012

I know that Neil was really disappointed with how the League campaign tailed off in the last couple of months. We had hopes of finishing higher – it wasn’t to be but I think we can be proud of how we fared in our first season back in the NPL top flight.

Neil sent me a list of the 13 injured players the night before the final league game then we found out James Barrigan was injured on the morning of the game and Mark Haworth got injured early on. To have 15 injured players at any level is going to have a massive impact and it wasn’t to be this year. 

It was great to finish the season off with a Cup win and what an occasion taking 1,000 supporters to Widnes in what is a record away attendance for the club and winning a trophy.

Finishing in a solid position this season it has given us a chance to reassess and plan forward once again longer term on and off the pitch.

On the pitch we recently announced the signing of Neil to a new long term contract. The commitment from both sides shows a willingness to take Marine Football Club forward over the coming years. Neil wants to manage in the National North again and was open about that and so it is fantastic that by committing to the contract he believes he can do that with Marine, when he could have waited and looked at other offers. He is one of the hardest working managers out there – even this week straight after the season had finished he went to see Curzon Ashton v Fylde on Tuesday night and Southport v Atherton Collieries on Wednesday. Thanks to the efforts and hard work of all coaching staff and players this season.

Off the pitch we announced a new 10 year front of shirt and stadium sponsorship deal with Marine Travel. I would like to thank club president Dave Thompson for his amazing support. 10 year sponsorship deals don’t usually happen in non League football but the commitment from Dave again gives us a stable base from which we can really try to build the club. 

To update a few different areas of the club:

– We have been in constant dialogue with the Council over improvements to the stadium for 12 months now with many challenges which is why it has taken so long. I hope that over the next 4-6 months we can make a further announcement.

– The Womens team have a crucial relegation play off on Sunday at the MTA (2pm). Good luck to Dave, Vonn and the team. Entrance is free for anybody who wishes to come down and show their support.

– Our U23 team have been brilliant in the second half of the year since my last update, in their first season in the West Cheshire 1st Division. Three of the U23 players were substitutes for the first team against Matlock Town with 2 of them coming off the bench which was a fitting reward to finish the season. Thanks to Sean, Sam, Jake and Rob and all players for their hard work this year.

– The Academy have settled in really well in their first season playing their football at the MTA. It has been great to work with Lee, Stam and Tim over the last year. They finished the season on a massive high, winning a trophy in Spain playing against teams like Marseille Academy.

– Marine In The Community continues to strengthen – helping more schools, charities, partners and people than ever before. Thanks to Graeme, Dave Bellis from Radfield Home Care and all of our volunteers. I am proud of the impact we are making. We have also helped 20 charities this season raise vital funds through a bucket collection prior to each game.

– Our new commercial manager Cara Leach started in February. Any business interested in kit or ground sponsorship for next season contact commercial@marinefc.com. Thanks to all of our sponsors this season whose contribution has been vital.

– Thanks to our many volunteers – stewards, programme sellers, 50/50 sellers etc whose roles, tasks and pressures over the last 12 months has increased considerably.  Thanks to Jon Hoy and our bar staff who have done a brilliant job this season. Thanks to our many partners including our special relationship with Crosby Stuart JFC and apologies to anyone I’ve forgotten to mention!

– Thanks to the Committee who have worked so many hours this year to try and keep improving Marine Football Club. I see first hand the amount of hours my Dad in particular does for the club year after year. It is great to see everyone getting the rewards on the pitch.

We are still on a massively upward trajectory as a club. Critical to this though is the continued support. Whilst we continue to see the numbers at the MTA we can keep progressing. So the biggest thank you is to every supporter who has come to watch us this season, it is massively appreciated. It is incredible to see the stadium full every week and the support is allowing us all to dream.

Season tickets for next season will be on sale soon. Please tell your friends, neighbours, colleagues to buy one it really does make a huge difference.

Have a great summer and see you next season!

Up The Mariners,

James”