Emley AFC have achieved what they wanted to this season in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division. However, chairman Andrew Painten is hoping for an even better campaign next year.
The newly-promoted Pewits finished 9th in the league table which was a tremendous effort after a stop, start and disappointing first half to the campaign.
On how the season went Painten said: “We kept saying we were finding our feet and now we can say we’ve found them in this league. We sort of knew what to expect from this league but I think we had a bit of bad luck at the beginning and then good luck at the end.
“That was certainly how it went and the ‘season of two halves’ cliche seems very appropriate.
“I’m very proud of how the team, staff, volunteers and fans have stuck together this season even when we have had difficult moments. Hopefully next year we’ll do even better.”
Painten explained his thoughts on what happened throughout the campaign.
He said: “We had a few post season games because of the curtailment of the 2020-21 season. We then had nine or 10 pre-season games. We won a few and went into the season in a positive mood.
“We started the season OK, but came down with a bump with a bad loss to Eccleshall United where we knew we were in a tougher league.
“We then went on a difficult run in the league. We were playing OK without picking up points. We then beat Sherwood Colliery which felt like a bit of a turning point, and we managed to win a few games.
“However we then went on a real lean spell where we didn’t win for eight games. We were looking over our shoulders a bit but I don’t think we ever thought we were in real trouble.
“After Christmas we really picked up and we only lost two games In our last 13 matches. It was a fantastic run. Our ambition was to finish in the top half after Christmas and we managed to do that which was excellent.
“Apart from not putting the ball in the back of the net as much in the first half of the season we weren’t doing much different. So it was great to see when things clicked.”
Painten is hoping the Pewits can improve next season and finish higher in the league.
He said: “We will hope to improve next season and challenge even further up the table. The work at the club never stops and I and everyone involved just want the club to be the best it can be.”
Painten, meanwhile, is looking for support from fans and the wider community to help build for next season. Here are five ways you can help:
- Sign up for the club’s new lottery – the 500 Club.
For £10 a month (or more!) starting in August you have a chance to win a £500 monthly prize. Anyone can sign up, you don’t need to be an Emley supporter. Sign up here
- Be a sponsor
There’s sponsorship to suit all budgets, from player sponsorship to matchday sponsorship and everything in between. View the Sponsorship Brochure
- Become a season ticket holder
Season ticket holders are also members who are co-owners of the club. Pre-Covid there were 50 season ticket holders. When the 2021-22 season ended there were 103. Season tickets are valid for first team and academy home matches.
- Be a recruiting sergeant and tell people about Emley AFC and share posts on social media
Social media is a great promotional tool and once people visit the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground, they generally come back.
- Become a volunteer
The club is run entirely by volunteer effort and there’s always room for more. Every little helps! Find out more
For more information about the club and getting involved email andrew@emleyafc.co.uk
Please send details of how to join the £500 club