It's almost time, this time next week we will have completed our first League game Vs Tonbridge Angels and I will be getting ready to leave for the game at Kingstonian. But until then there are still some last minute adjustments being made.  Serge Makofo has been released and we are looking for a replacement, and we are still to finalise a goal keeper. We have lots of cover and options for a keeper, but as it’s such a key position Craig will take his time to ensure he makes the right decision.

The First Billericay Beer Festival was a resounding success due in no small part to the hard work of all the volunteers. I would like to thank all the helpers and entertainers for their time and effort. And a special mention to the Lions Club of Billericay whose idea it was to stage the event. They worked tirelessly throughout the event, meeting & greeting, serving & hosting, well done lads your contribution made the event the pleasure it was. The Billericay Lions are a charitable organisation who distribute most of their funds locally click for more information. http://www.billericaylions.com/

As it stands the Ryman Premier Division will run with 23 teams next season. The result of that is each Saturday and at least two of the bank holidays there will be a team without a game. It also means more midweek games and FIVE relegation places. This change from a 22 team division had to be voted through by the member clubs.

I’ve just a few things to remind you about; firstly the clubhouse will be open on Friday showing Algeria V England, k.o. 19:30. Everyone is welcome inc friends and family. (free entry). Let’s hope it’s more exciting than the first game and we see an England victory.

There has been a lot of interest in the Beer Festival which we are hosting jointly with the Billericay Lions Club. It starts Friday 2nd July opening at  4pm to 11pm. Saturday 12 noon to 11pm and Sunday 12 noon to 5pm  There will be 40 + beers and Ciders available, a BBQ, a marquee with music stage, and TV screens in the clubhouse showing World Cup Quarter finals games.

Hill Piling are not renewing their sponsorship next season so we have launched a ticket draw with prizes which include various ticket and advertising opportunities, but the major prize is to be sponsor of the first team shirt next season. Tickets are an amazing price of just £25 each, I see some clubs are doing a similar draw but their tickets are far more expensive. I think Margate’s tickets are £300 each and Chelmsford’s £500. Our tickets are available and affordable to anyone and everyone, and at this price I am hoping to see significant support from within the Club. It’s a great opportunity to win a prize worth £10,000 for just £25.

Saturday was a good day for Billericay Town Football Club. I went to watch our final Capital League (reserve) game of the season which was away to Witham Town. Our U18’s are defending the Eastern Junior Alliance Challenge cup V’s  Brentwood, at Brentwood this coming Thursday May 18th, So Manager Paul Moody, assisted by John Miff, used this game to prepare his side for that Cup Final.  The Squad/Team at Witham included U15 & U16s, and we won the Game 1-0. The game itself was a bit flat first half but after a half time “Team Talk” from John Miff the lads upped the pace and never looked like losing.

Later that evening there was a presentation at the Clubhouse for the U15s, U16s & U18s and it was here that I noticed we had finally become a united club.