FIXTURE SECRETARY’S REPORT TO 2025 AGM
I’ll swiftly cover the past season and then go on to talk about what I know so far concerning the forthcoming 2025 season.
2024 all went pretty well, despite some poor weather, especially on Mondays and at the end of September. So bad in fact that we had to extend the season by a week. In the past, September was generally a pleasant month but times have changed.
Very few fines were imposed for rule transgressions. Congratulations to all the clubs that did well and commiserations to those that didn’t.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the following:
- My fellow league officers for continuing to ensure that the league runs smoothly.
- Mike Beckett for his help and support in maintaining the Results Service.
- All the club captains and secretaries who I’ve had dealings with over the last year. I’ve received over 700 emails and sent around 500 plus a few texts and Whatsapp messages.
Looking ahead then, I’m not going to speculate too much until we’re sure what the situation is regarding applications and resignations – i.e 48 hours before the March meeting. We gave a lot of thought last year about possible scenarios, most of which didn’t actually transpire.
What we do know however is as follows:
- Two teams have applied to join the Friday divisions, Donnington Wood and Stockton making a welcome return. If that’s all, we’ll have 38 teams so last year’s 12/12/12 will have to change. There are a number of options but 14/12/12 is favoured by the league officers and if confirmed, we’d have to decide how we organise promotion and relegation in order to achieve that.
Good Friday needs to be considered this year as it’s in April and Rob wants an additional Friday for the Merit qualifying so whichever division has more than 12 teams, two Wednesdays will be needed and it would have to start on Friday 4th April. - Albrighton have applied to join the Dennis Lewis Thursday division. Potentially, this gives us 15 teams where realistically, we can only accommodate 14 so we’ll have to consider splitting into 2.
You’ll appreciate that I’m going to be busy just before, during and after the March Executive meeting and there are decisions that will have to be taken then. Therefore, I’d appreciate any more updates from clubs regarding new teams, teams dropping out, green changes, special requests and potential clashes with leagues other than the Premier, sooner rather than later. As in previous years, if I hear nothing from a club, I’ll assume that everything will be the same as last year but confirmation as soon as clubs are aware of their circumstances will help me.
You can help me to help you!
John Palmer