On behalf of the management team, committee, staff and players from Sunderland RCA F.C. I would like to wish all supporters plus the Northern League Family a really great Christmas and a Very Happy New Year in 2012.
All our supporters will hopefully be well pleased, with a great football team (top Lads) that score lots of goals, is great to watch and currently sits at the Top of Division One for the first time in its history during a Festive Period. Fifty Two points "wrapped up".........the most we have collected in a top flight campaign. Well done boys ! The clubs Sunday side has picked up silverware in recent times......can the First team get something in 2012 that would be well deserved (any cup would do........but Spenny and Dunston stand next in our way)
We are all realistic at SRCA and the goal at the start of the Season was to break into the top 10 for the first time ever. Neil Hixon (plus his back up team of Glen, George, Ian and Scone) continue to surprise in moving the club forward and that has raised expectations in that we all wanting more Christmas Pudding ! Could we break into the Top 6 of the League.
Times are tough during this period of recession and I would like to thank sponsors, partners and supporters for finding the time, money and inclination to back the club. Hopefully we can remain as the cheapest club to attend in Division One of the Northern League with Under 16s Free. Good Value certainly so far in Season 2011/12.
Off the field Defty keeps the Meadow Park home intact (defending the Castle ! ). Rob keeps all things write ! the top Secretary (tough Second Division days of 10 years ago, when we were even smaller in numbers ...... Doddsy,Brian and Bill M.....they will not be forgotten). Nor will the players who have worn the shirt with Pride in the past or great people (Ray Baines R.I.P) who have been part of the journey. Lets enjoy the moment. Ronnie, John Mac plus Dave Hill (and El Queso) currently remain as the Utility Men............All Jobs are Us !
And to the future. Hopefully Colin and Tim can keep steering Tank Operations in the right direction. The SRCA brilliant website and the top club programme are only two small parts of great things that they have made happen in recent years. Brendan and the Springboard boys are key Troops. One day they will get number one spot in the Northern League Programme Awards.
Finally not wanting Christmas Day to pass too quickly ..........but South Shields next game at Home on Boxing Day. It is about time the Chairman spent some money so there could be a few surprises on the day (and more than a free mince pie to the First 10 supporters). You will have to get there and make sure you do not miss out.
Happy Christmas Everyone, Peace and Goodwill, now lets enjoy the Rest of Our Best Ever Season !