HAPPY NEW YEAR - ON AND OFF THE PITCH

To be printed in the National League South game v Tonbridge Angels Saturday 24th January 2026

So much has happened since our last home game I don’t know where to start. Actually, that’s a lie. It has to be Maidenhead United away. First time we’ve played them in the league for 25 years. Packed ground, brilliant atmosphere and 3-1 to the Rebels. Best Birthday Present Ever. Forget the roast turkey – as Alan ‘the shirt’ Brown said – how about roast magpie for Boxing Day afters?

I get people love old traditional grounds. I do too. And in town centres where they belong. With old pylons peeping up surrounded by chimney pots. But York Road needs some serious investment and instead Maidenhead are keen to sell the ground where football has been continuously since 1971  - the longest in the world - and move not too far up the road. Of course, if we lived in a society that wasn't all about money, the site would be valued, even turned into a football museum. Unfortunately especially in towns like Maidenhead and Slough it will become faceless housing and office blocks that no one loves and sucks the joy from our souls.

We then went on a 3 match unbeaten run until it came to a frozen halt at Chippenham. January is Rail Replacement Month so i left at stupid o clock to meet up with Gaz the Sandwich. Maybe the frozen farmers fields out west should have given me a clue but Chippenham seemed confident - until it was called off. Seven hours and £50 down the pan. Fiddlesticks. Gaz met with some Southend fans who love stealing our best players, but their game against Bath was another late postponement because a bit of the ground that wasn't even on the pitch was frozen. Which is a new one on me. Alfie and the Devon Rebels headed to Odd Down FC with their 'Don't be nasty, eat a pasty' banner, while my train trundled home, while watching Macclesfield seriously have their day in the sun. It could have, should have been us. Meh.

I couldn't make the quickly rearranged Chippenham Town defeat but headed to the crazy mixed up town of Hemel Hempstead, where Mr. Blobby greeted us at the turnstiles. After being served up cat-sick breakfast at Euston, we got served something much more palatable; infact this was give star cuisine. One of the best first half performances i've seen from a Slough Town team in years with fantastic, noisy support to boot. We might not be big hitters when it comes to home attendances but so many that come to home games are happy to travel away.

In amongst all the climbing up the table business, we also had the welcome news that Scotty had signed a new two year contract while Ash spelt out the vision of the club.

"This vision is guided by four core pillars which define what Slough Town FC stands for.

"Sustainability, Talent, Fan Experience, Community.

"In a league that becomes more competitive every season - with more full time teams and bigger budgets - we remain steadfast in our commitment to operating responsibly and sustainably. We are one of the few clubs at this level who can genuinely say that. And that matters.

"Everything we do is focused on long-term stability : from recruitment and player development to careful financial management and facility improvements. Our development model continues to prove its value - not only strengthening the squad but generating funds that protect our future.

"Enhancements to Arbour Park have continued, ensuring the stadium remains a modern, welcoming home we can be proud of.

"In one of the biggest steps forward last year, we reached agreement with the council on a new Sports Hub to support and elevate our training provision. This will improve performance, welfare and development across the club."

Which leads nicely onto the glossy Slough Is Now document where the football club is one of the key players in regenerating and reimagining the town. Dragging a place that needs a lot of love - and a good broom. Building on the innovation and invention that defined the place and which we sing about on the terraces. Did you know we've got the biggest trading estate in Europe !? Looking at what we've got in the town such as young, very diverse workforce and amazing transport links. Sure, there's plenty of issues. Trying to sort out the housing mess, the carbuncle of a town centre, massive inequality, but at least there is a vision and plans for wanting to be better.

These are exciting times for Slough the Town and Slough Town FC which thanks to so many brilliant people is in rude health. So let's keep on punching above our weight, and add more points on the board, while those behind the scenes continue to work hard to make us a major force in the town.