Supporters, take a bow.

[hendo]

After watching Godalming for over thirty years, I believe that the current group of fans are simply incredible and deserve every accolade possible for their unflinching support during our disastrous slide, culminating in this most difficult of seasons.



At Knaphill on Monday, I counted around 30 travelling Gs, despite it being a public holiday and the depressingly predictable outcome having no effect on our league position.

30! That was more than half of the total crowd - but incidentally less than half of the number of players who have turned out for the first team this season (I believe the number stands at 71).


When we were playing at a higher level, the travel to away games was brutal, both in terms of time and cost, and I recall quite clearly one foggy Tuesday night at some far-flung postcode when there were only three supporters who had managed to make the terrible trip. On several other occasions we had five, and on special flag days the number got up to double figures.

But as the travel got easier, G Fans have had a real chance to follow their team and have continued to do so in numbers, despite the football on the pitch not delivering the standard that such loyalty deserves.



Blame it on the Management revolving doors, players not staying long enough to turn off their car engines and a series of bad decisions and luck, but whatever the reasons for the decline, Knaphill proves that we have a larger hard-core fan base than ever and I feel privileged to be a member of that tenacious group.


No matter where we go, no matter what they do to us, no matter how bad things become, G Fans will stand firm.

And if we do so, then, eventually, it will get better.

[Grassroots]

Have to say Hendo it does sound like Winston, it was bloody hot there yesterday, i thought we played some nice footy at times from the midfield, but it's goals that count. 

[ballboy2]

Brilliantly said 'Hendo'.Yes we are proud of our supporters,I've  met some really nice people on our fruitless trips this season and last,they never gave up encouraging the team.Yes  times I was fatalistic at games,but always there with the other supporters. We all know each other and have had some laughs together,there is certainly a brilliant team spirit off the field!Thanks to all of you.

[Deleted]

Looking across the pitch yesterday at what I thought was a reasonable turn out for a meaningless lunchtime Bank Holiday game it was something of a shock to realise that I recognised nearly everyone. It seemed to be a convergence of all who have travelled with the Gs this season, from sunny Redhill to sunny Knaphill via Spelly and the bombardment of the A308, the lumpiness of Chertsey and the heady whiff of aviation fuel at Bedfont. It's been an interesting season but despite everything an utter pleasure to be suffering amongst such fine people. Football-wise, thanks to the lads that stuck with us, good luck to the tourists that didn't (hope the grass was greener for you). Whatever happens next this is a great club with great people and the fact that on the 8th May we still don't know what div we're playing in next season is a bloody disgrace.

[greygraham]

Wonderful words Hendo. The club and the supporters are so fortunate to have you amongst their number.

I have decided not to write a report about the Knaphill game. Not that it was bad performance, the whole squad did their bit, but it was a day more suited to relaxing on a beach than for playing football. We will try to get to the North Greenford game tonight to support those players who have given their best on the pitch for the Gees whatever the result. It seemed that when we had that run of four wins in a row that Gav and Jon had turned things around and we would finish in a relatively comfortable league position. It did not turn out like that.

It is unfortunate that there will be no Presentation Dinner again this year as this is a chance to recognise those who have done so much for the club and to congratulate all those who have played for the club, in whatever team. It is also a chance for the different teams to meet for once demonstrating that they all are part of GTFC. Good that there was at least a less formal presentation at Wey Court for the first team and well done to Lewis Lodge, Piers Oldland and Bobby Bennett on winning their awards.

What I do want to say though is that GTFC have some magnificent people behind the scenes who have done so much for the club over the years like Jane and Pete Philips and the Dave and Lin Allen.
They also deserve a big vote of thanks and a pat on the back as does Matt Clay our acting Chairman.

New faces have also come forward in recent years including Kevin Goodman, who has managed to breath new life into the website, which has now improved beyond recognition. Also Giles Pattison who has been tremendous in producing superb programmes, leagues above anything you will find elsewhere at this level, and taking photographs and maintaining the photographic library for all the teams. This involves a huge commitment, which should not be overlooked. These guys also turn their hand to whatever is needed on match days.

Thank you for that.

COYGs