Taken from our programme for the visit of Runcorn Town, available on the gate for £2.

I remember well, a Wednesday afternoon, about six years ago, the day after a 3-1 defeat to Bamber Bridge, away in the Lancashire Trophy (West fans at the game totalled two, Dave Cooper and myself!!). Andy Nelson rang to tell me that Steve Settle had agreed to join the club, and that he would be our next manager, once he’d retired.

During these last six years, Steve has played a key role in supporting the overall development of the club and in the creation of a first team which, in its first season in the NWCFL had six paying spectators for a night match against Chadderton, and is now regularly watched by over 300 people every Saturday.

Along the way, a number of magical memories spring to mind:

• The club, and FA Vase record score 15-1 against Dinnington;
• The Maine Road Derby last year at home – gate 800 plus;
• The reaction of the fans at the end of the Manchester County Cup Semi Final against FC United of Manchester.

What will stay with me though, is the total commitment Steve has shown to the ethos of our club and his genuine desire for us to progress, whilst always doing things the right way.

So, on behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to say thanks to Steve, for all his efforts for the club, as a player and manager, and wish him and his family every happiness and success in the future.

The club would also like to thank club legend Matty Kay, for his work as Assistant and Interim First Team Manager.

Matty took on these roles at a difficult time, and demonstrated a commitment and ability which leads me to believe he will enjoy a successful career as a Manager in the future. Again, the club wishes him every success in the future.

Glyn Meacher

Chairman