IT’S only some six or seven weeks since the football season finished for Crediton United but pre-season training has already started and the first friendly is due to be played tomorrow, Saturday, July 6 when the Reserves entertain Chudleigh with a 2pm kick off.

Both the Club’s First and Reserves teams are facing new challenges in 2019-20 with the South West Peninsula team being promoted, as a result of an FA shakeup, to step six of the National Non League level and as a result of the upward movement of other teams also the Reserves will be playing in a higher league – Division One of the Devon and Exeter League.

For both teams the standard will be higher and the level of football will mean stronger opposition and a required increased fitness level for both teams.

For the first team travelling across the whole of Devon, and even into Cornwall, to visit Torpoint, will now entail many longer journeys and will test the ability, keenness and loyalty of the players.

Hopefully for the Club supporters the opportunity will bring a better standard of football and the Club is looking forward to entertaining and visiting Clubs that they have not played against for many years.

The promotion has not come without a financial cost as at step six officially appointed linesmen have to be provided as well as paid referees.

This is to be partly offset by an increase in gate fees in line with other Premier Division Clubs for spectators with the normal entry fee for adults now to be £5 and for concessions £3.50.

The players have also been affected by new rules with the introduction of Yellow “Sin Bin” cards meaning a potential 10-minute spell in their “dug out” for bad language and argumentative offenders.

There is much difference of opinion since the previous introduction at Grass Routes level but if eventually it improves the behaviour and attitude of some players, who give the game a bad name, then it must be a good move. Referees must also be sensible in applying the rules.

The pre-season friendlies for the first team start on Saturday, July 13 when Willand Rovers, newly promoted to the Southern League, will be the visitors on a special day for Club legend Dave Blanchford.

Willand chairman Mike Mitchell, an old friend and adversary years ago in the Club’s Devon and Exeter League days has agreed to play his team’s first pre-season match of their new season at Lords Meadow as a tribute to Dave on his 80th birthday.

Kick off is at 3pm. Dave has a special celebration party for guests in the evening at the Club.

The Club has another attractive friendly 10 days later on Tuesday, July 23 when Exmouth Town, promoted to the Western League Premier Division next season, are the visitors.

This new opportunity for Crediton United at the step six level has opened up advantageous Football Association grant opportunities and as a result the Club will be able to install new floodlights, before the new season starts in earnest.

This much depends on the speed with which Mid Devon District Council can agree an extension to the Club’s lease at Lords Meadow.

The grant conditions require a minimum of 10 years – we currently have nine years and three months remaining.

This will also enable the ground to be used as a Devon Air Ambulance Night Landing spot. We are most grateful to the generous businesses and people in the town who have supported the Club’s Floodlight appeal to enable us to finance our share of the cost of the floodlights.

The new era for Crediton United is also likely to affect the volunteers who run the Club. The football pitch and premises are an extensive area which is completely maintained and financed by Committee members and volunteers. 

If there is anyone who is interested in helping out in any capacity, please have a word with a Committee member.

In particular the Club is looking for someone to take over the Treasurer’s duties, at the moment being overseen by Chris Gillard. The position is mainly responsible for day-to-day payment of bills and banking of cash and doesn’t necessarily include running the accounting side of the position.

It is hoped that someone can take over the reins by September 30.

We look forward to seeing our regular supporters at Lords Meadow and hopefully new faces for the coming season.

Crediton United AFC

PRE-SEASON FIXTURES

Saturday, July 6 Seconds v Chudleigh 2pm ko (home); Sunday, July 7 Charity Fundraiser (three-team tournament) for Pete’s Dragons, Devon Air Ambulance and MIND) ko 2pm; Saturday, July 13 Firsts v Willand 3pm ko (home); Wednesday, July 17 Seconds v Heavitree 7.15pm ko (home); Friday, July 19 Firsts v Cronies 7.30pm ko (home);  Saturday, July 29 Seconds v Buckland(Thirds) 2pm ko (away);  Tuesday, July 23 Firsts v Exmouth 7.30pm ko (home); Saturday, July 27 First v Okehampton 3pm ko (home); Tuesday, July 30 Firsts v Witheridge 7.30pm ko (away); Saturday, August 3 Firsts v Braunton 1pm ko (away); Wednesday, August 7 Seconds v Chagford 7pm ko (home).