RICHARD KAY

A warm welcome to BHP to the staff, players and committee of Newent Town. The year is 2030 and we finally get to play a home game! O a serious note, 8 straight away games has been a huge effort for everyone involved It has really taken its toll recently I've never known a schedule like it in all my years of being a player and a manager

It has been away game after away game over the course of the last 2 months We have been to the Cotswolds, Swindon midweek, and then back to the Cotswolds It's been relentless We have had some great performances on the road, most notably Milton United away, where going into the game they were second in the league and looking to chase down Pershore It was a top performance and by far the best team performance of the season. A week later and another trip to Shortwood Shocking preparation led to a really poor performance It was absolutely one away game too many on the back of travelling to Royal Wootton Bassett MIDWEEK in SWINDON for the Challenge Cup quarterfinal. We were given no chance of progressing, however the lads acquitted themselves very well against Step 5 opposition. We played some excellent football but were taught a lesson in being clinical in front of goal

The Hellenic league secretary needs to give his head a wobble and there needs to be a serious conversation with the league at the next AGM It's not realistic or sustainable for any club

In the midst of such a hectic period I was over the moon and humbled to each my 100th game as manager of Southam United The game didn't go to plan but I had such an incredible day/night that will live long in the memory I made sure that I messaged every player and staff member that has played for me and represented the club since 2019 Some of the messages or phone calls I received really did make me feel very proud of the journey we have been on and made me feel very humble There are many reasons why I enjoy being a manager/coach but for me it's all about my players I'd like to think I've given individuals the opportunity to have a career in non-league football, a second chance when it's been needed the most and to find that love of the game they have lost All I have ever wanted to do is give back to the game through my experience, my passion, my love affair with football

I would like to finally say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey It's been a rollercoaster So many highs and lows but so many priceless memories To all the players who have played for me and represented the club, you are all absolute club legends. What has been achieved over the years, and where the club is today is because of you You are the foundation, the pillars on which this club has been built Thank you for giving me your all, for giving me everything a manager could ask of his players. Heart, passion, pride in the shirt and badge I can't describe how proud I am to be your manager.

We are now in a situation where it's a one game season. Our semi final against Kenilworth is our season It's all on the line for a place at the CBS Arena Today's game is vitally important We need to make sure our performance levels are high and have momentum going into a 50/50 cup tie that will come down to on the night