GUISBOROUGH Town FC’s recently appointed chairman Andy Willis has spoken of his sincere appreciation for everyone who has helped to create a bright future for the club.

He said that despite the difficulties posed by Covid in the last two years the KGV-based club had striven unwaveringly to create a positive outlook for the future.

“There have been many reasons to smile in the face of recent often Covid-related adversities, with our club continuing to enjoy success both on and off the pitch,” Willis said.

He proudly listed many of the highlights especially over the past 12 months, including the club’s men’s first team reaching the final of the North Riding Senior Cup along with the continued growth and success of Guisborough’s women’s and junior sections. “Off the pitch, visitors to the KGV Stadium will have noticed our brilliant new floodlights as well as the wonderful improvements we have made to the KGV Clubhouse bar and Priory Function Suite, which have all been part of our ambitious new development plans," he said. "But it doesn’t all end there because we will continue to work hard on improving the club’s ground and facilities over the coming months and years."

Willis made special mention of the highly committed volunteers and staff at the club. “I must say a huge thank you to all these incredibly hard-working people who do amazing work in and around the ground plus all the coaches and helpers involved with all our many teams at the club," he said. "Without you all it simply wouldn’t be possible to do everything that we achieve so brilliantly well."

Turning to the many companies and individuals who support the club with sponsorship, he continued: “Sponsors are vital to any football club, so I would like to take this opportunity to express the club’s gratitude to each and every one of you. To pledge your support not only financially but by attending our matches has been overwhelming, given the difficult financial times many of you have experienced recently."

Regarding the club's fans, Willis added: “Like most clubs we have had to adjust to a new way of operating and whilst on the whole we are pleased at how well we have adapted, there is one thing that has remained constant and irreplaceable, and that’s our supporters. To see the fans – old and new – back in the ground this season and in significantly increased numbers has truly been humbling.

“Thank you so much to everyone and we look forward to seeing you soon when the new season starts in little over two months’ time."