THE NORTHWICH VICS COLUMN - by commercial director, Paul Bazley

WE focus again on our off-the-field progress after Saturday’s disappointing postponement of our fixture at Bootle.

It was a game everyone at the club was looking forward to kickstarting our league campaign, especially the number of fans who’d booked on another of our sell-out supporter run (Vics Away Days ) coaches.

This increasingly popular travel club is proof of our growth as a fan-run, fan-owned football club not just at home fixtures, but on the road as well.

They’ve organised coaches to most away games this season after it started on the back of last season’s fantastic FA Vase run that heartbreakingly culminated in defeat in the semi final down at Chertsey.

The Vics would love to go one better this season obviously, but are extremely aware how difficult this will be as our FA Vase campaign this year starts off at Wincham Park this Saturday at 3pm versus the in-form Wythenshawe Town who feature our popular former captain Micheal Clarke in their squad.

We are delighted that our local charity partner Tiny Steps will be our guests at this match to present the signed Clint Boon Vics 145th anniversary away shirt, highlighted in last week’s column, to the winner who bid over £300 for this bespoke item.

Also last week I joined my good friend and vice chairman Ian Egerton on the John Thompson Radio Northwich breakfast show to chat about everything that’s happening at the club with the added bonus of playing a few chosen tracks.

John is a huge supporter of all sports, indeed most of the local football clubs have since joined him as guests on his show, something we’re proud that we helped with from the outset as we try to back as many local projects and companies as possible.

The radio station is another concept we all should try to support as it is a great asset to our fantastic Town.

A busy week culminated last Thursday with a brilliant sportsperson’s dinner hosted again at Wincham Park featuring another former Trickie, Man Utd legend, Everton and Northern Ireland player Norman Whiteside.

The event was again extremely popular with fans and sponsors alike as we enjoyed Norman’s tales of his great footballing life.

It was humbling to hear from the outset that he was proud to help support one of his former clubs and that he still followed the Vics’ progress.

Everyone enjoyed another very successful evening but the highlight for most people was to see our club secretary, Vics’ stalwart Dave Thomas, chatting with Norman over a drink or two about their memories of their time together at our grand old club.

These moments make you realise how many great players have not only represented us, but just how much the club has meant to these people and fans over the many years and that we’re all so proud that the club still means so much to people and that we’re making, and also sharing, more memories together.

We thought we may never see Northwich Victoria again but we are indeed “The Club That Wouldn’t Die”.

Next Match: Vics v Wythenshawe Town, FA Vase second round, Saturday, kick-off 3pm.