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.

Michael Haswell is in good spirits (well, as good as you can be  under the circumstances) after his operation the results so far indicate there are no complications. The Management and players are keen to hold a benefit night For Michael, and the club will be whole heartily supporting the event. Details will be released once they have been finalised.

Last Friday was the first BTSA orgsnised event of the current season, it was a quiz night that was well attended, and it raised a tidy sum for the current BTSA project. Although the night went well and was a success for the fund I can’t help feeling the organisers and promoters (of which there were many) must have been disappointed by the very low number of actual BTSA members. After what was a lively and productive AGM, I’m sure they would have expected a good number of their members to attend. It would have been nice to have a few teams from the Colts as well, perhaps next time.

I would like to congratulate and thank all the people and organisations who took part and won prizes in our Mega draw. The major prize winner, as drawn by Joyce Symes, was  PIPETECH, well done to them and I hope we can give them lots of press exposure this season.

We have a new board member this year, Ben Waine has kindly agreed to join the board and I have no doubt he will be a positive influence from the outset. Ben has many contacts in the banking and business community and is a successful business man. Ben and his family are loyal supports of Billericay Town Football Club and I know he will be an asset to our Club. Welcome aboard Ben.         Best of luck with the FA’s newly introduced, Fit and Proper Person Test form. J

There is still a fair bit of maintenance and repair work going on around the ground, and I doubt it will be anywhere near completed before Saturday's kick-off. We had hoped to be a lot further ahead by now  but we’ve been woefully short on man power. Sharon has done a sterling job sweeping the stands though, and if you like the current state of  “dog-end free zones” then  I’m sure you will have some sympathy with the soreness of her blistered hands.

On the playing front I’m very happy with the progress so far, we have been playing fast, attractive, attacking football, and our team has a good blend of youth and experience.  Craig and Steve have been working relentlessly to put together the right team.  A task that has not been easy given the budget restraints, but I must say they have done a fantastic job. The players with us are here because they want to be, the players here know what Craig demands and they are willing to back themselves to deliver, the players are here because they want to be a part of what we’re doing/building. The players here are hungry for success. This season is all about the team, we have two former captains as well as our own captain, Ian Cousins demonstrated his leadership skills last year when he played a major part in our league survival. Adam led Dartford to League victory by 18 points, and Micah is a natural leader who last season was Captain of a pro League side.  For us to have such experience with out egos clashing is fantastic. There will be no passengers this season and everyone will play their part.

Good luck everyone and let’s hope we have a successful season.

C’mon you Blues!

Steve Kent.