Leek Town - A message from the Chairman

"Well here we are, another season draws to a close, and I don’t think anyone could say that we haven’t made great progress this season both on and off the pitch.

"The season started with much optimism when Neil Baker and his management team began running the side. We got off to a great start in the League and a superb run in the FA Cup where we eventually played Blue Square North side Hinckley United and were mighty unlucky not to beat them in both of the games.

"When Neil left to take up his position at Crewe, he said he saw something in Lee Casswell that made him think he was the right man for the job and so it has proved since.

"After an understandable initial blip after Neil left, Lee and his team have taken us up the table and right into the race for the play-offs.

"They have done a magnificent job and I think we have the right men in charge to lead us forward again next season.

"On the playing side I would also like to thank Crewe Alexandra, Macclesfield Town and Mansfield Town for loaning some of their players to us during the course of the season.

"Speaking of magnificent, that is the word I would use to describe our supporters both home and away this season.

"There have been plenty of memorable games, the Hinckley matches as I have mentioned, the win at Ilkeston and the recent home game against New Mills to name but a few and our fans played a big part in all of them.

"It typifies the spirit of camaraderie and working together that we have now got throughout this club. This runs right through our 20 teams, from the Under 7s up to the First Team.

"There are so many people I need to thank who all contribute to the running of this club from the turnstile operators, programme sellers, stewards, kitchen staff and those who help out in the VP’s room and in the bar.

"It’s impossible to name everyone, but you all know who you are and to each and everyone of you who contribute your time and efforts for the club it is massively appreciated.

"Once again I am also indebted to our main club sponsors Adams Foods and I am delighted to announce that they have renewed their sponsorship again for next season – an amazing record fifteenth consecutive season!

"I would also like to mention John Munroe Hospital and Bentley Insurance - both of these companies give great support to our club along with the match and ball sponsors throughout the season - thanks to all of you.

"So, what of the future, well we are hoping to get the pitch perimeter fence replaced during the close season pending the go-ahead from the council.

"We will also be organising working parties, so if you’d like to come down and help keep our stadium looking first class, watch out for details and we hope to have some good standard opposition for you to come and watch in pre-season.

"We’ve just two possible games remaining that might see us promoted to the premier division this summer so please get down to the Carlton game on Wednesday for the play-off semi and who knows.

"I hope to see you all back here in July for a friendly or two and once again thank you for your continued support."

Hat tricks

Tim Grice’s hat trick against Shepshed on Saturday had club statisticians reaching for the record books.

Ironically Blues’ last hat-trick was when Paul Rutter netted three times on the last day of last season at Belper Town -Leek won 5-3.

The last hat-trick by a Blues player at Harrison Park was Andy Kinsey in the FA Cup versus Long Eaton United in September 2005.

The last hat-trick in a home league game at Harrison Park was by Dave Whittaker against Hyde United in October 2003.