As we approach this year's festivities, I wanted to take this opportunity, on behalf of the football club, to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

I do hope the festivities are an enjoyable time for you all and an opportunity to unwind, relax and be close to those you hold dear and to also remember those sadly no longer with us.

This time of year is usually a time of reflection, a time to give thanks and a time to begin to put plans into place for positive change for the impending year ahead. As a football club we are no different. These last 12 months have been a hugely significant one for the football club as we recovered from a period of instability and change in the summer of 2023 to a period of positivity, solidity and progression that has ensured we move forward in direction and that the club's bond between our supporters, management team, Board, volunteers and community academy is steadfast and stronger than ever.

This football club is perhaps smaller in its stature than yesteryear, but I truly believe that our heart is as big as ever and we have a club that is built from top to bottom with pride in the colours we wear and the wonderment of the name we play under.

As Christmas approaches and 2024 winds down, I simply wanted to say thank you. Thank you to our army of volunteers who keep this club alive and give us their time selflessly, solely for the love of the club. Thank you to the Board or Directors who support me in strategically steering the ship and for putting up with my demands to continually ameliorate. Thank you to the management and coaching team for giving us a team we believe in and can be proud of and thank you to our incredible supporters who give us unrivalled support in so many ways that without it, we simply wouldn't have a club to love and cheer for.

I never get tired of saying how special this football club is. It truly is a remarkable club with foundations built on strong values which are underpinned by incredible people that make this club a family. This Christmas, I wish you all, our Grays Athletic family, a wonderful festive season filled with fun, love and happiness.

All the best,

Lee