THE VICS COLUMN - By Pete Tonge

THIS week, we follow up on Vics’ link up with town centre pub The Witton Chimes which was briefly mentioned in last week’s column.

Here is what Landlord Adam Prestage has to say about how the link was formed.

“As I hope most of you will know by now, The Witton Chimes has teamed up with Northwich Vics FC, for which I know will be a long and successful partnership.

“We had a really productive meeting with Paul Bazley and his commercial team. I have lived in Northwich for 10 years now, and been landlord of the Chimes for over seven. I returned in July after an extensive refurb to the place which I hope all will find to be excellent.

Northwich Guardian:

Picture: Colin Buckley

“With this new start, I feel it goes hand-in-hand with this exciting new partnership. I am so passionate about grassroots football, and what struck me first and foremost is the passion the Trickies fans have for their club.

“I promise you I will give my best as a partner to support this wonderful club and I have already seen what a great response I’ve had from the fans in support of The Chimes. I have already agreed to sponsor the Runcorn game, and hopefully I will meet many of you on Tuesday night’s trip to Nantwich. I have football in my blood, and it’s green, I pledge to do as much as I can. I’m proud and honoured to be part of Northwich Vics. Again my sincere thanks to Baz for having the belief and vision.

“Let’s have a cracking rest of the season, and hope to see you all here in The Chimes and at the games. Tricky Boys Make Some Noise, We’re the Famous Northwich Vics!”

Commercial director Paul Bazley said: “The minute we met, the sheer passion Adam has for our town, grassroots football, and The Vics shone through, incredible a really genuine character who shares our ethos of being involved and helping the local community wherever possible.

“We have mutual friends that made this agreement very easy to discuss the endless possibilities we can achieve together, it’s another really exciting partnership for us. Having the added presence within the town centre will aid our progress further.

“The Chimes and the brewery are going to help back the football club whenever they can and our away days supporters’ group will meet before and after away games.

“We will also use the newly refurbished pub as a base for meetings and we have already discussed a charity football match involving our charitable partners Tiny Steps and the help that a community pub can give to such a worthy cause.

“We’re really pleased to add this historic business to our growing pool of sponsors as the Trickies will endeavour to climb our way back.

“We shouldn’t forget the progress we’ve already made as a group of supporters truly together.

“It’s quite remarkable as it’s been a really short space of time and The club is in the healthiest position for many a year, the fan base is still growing and the feelgood factor around the club is evident and commented on by fans returning and of course new fans supporting this grand old club.”

Vics have two big matches at home before the next NVFC Column comes out, and it would be great if you come down to Wincham Park and give the Club your support.

On Saturday 8 February, we play sixth placed Charnock Richard while on Wednesday we are up against the current league leaders 1874 Northwich.

Full details will be on www.northwichvictoriafc.com in due course.