NOW that the football season is over, I should like to pay tribute to the magnificent band of workers who have combined to make such a success of the launch of 1874 Northwich FC.

Formby’s late winner in the final game meant that 1874 have been pipped for promotion to the top flight of the North-West Counties League.

But that should not detract from the huge success the new fans-based club has been and it is wonderful to witness the support the public have given to the enterprise both at home and also away, when attendances throughout from Barrow down to Hanley have often been quadrupled by invasions of green from mid-Cheshire.

Performances on the field have been splendid with 26 wins in 36 league games and it has been a pleasure for my wife, Wyn and I, both of us founder-members, to see such a dedicated band of helpers with such good leadership.

This has come from chairman, Paul Stockton and runs down through the board with such good people as Brian Edge, Guy Jewell, James Wood and the outstanding football secretary Vicki England running themselves ragged to see that all works well.

Having followed Vics and Witton for more than 50 years in my local journalistic career and latterly as a mere fan, I can honestly say that I have rarely enjoyed a season and all its trappings as much and if the football quality is not exactly top notch, who cares?

I just hope the current enthusiasm can be maintained for a further season at Barton Stadium and that the search for a ground of the club’s own, along the lines of the fine set-up at nearby Runcorn Linnets, is given absolute top priority.

Well done to everybody.

Mike Talbot-Butler Sandiway