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Statement from Karen Brookes 31st May 2023
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It’s been an incredible journey that I’ve been on since joining as Chairman in May 2018, initially my first season flying solo and then the following season having managed to purchase the football club with Keith and Dad (Colin Brookes, President). From the first fans forum I held to get everyone onboard and to ensure everyone knew my focus was getting things right on and off the pitch. Assuring you all that every penny we earned was going back into the football club.
The club has gone from strength to strength during this time, with the fan base growing from around 380 to 1100 per home match and an incredible following away from home. A fantastic run in the FA Trophy to the Semi-Final in 2020 and almost securing promotion, only to be robbed by COVID. But the icing on the cake has to be securing promotion back to the Premier League at Step 3 after an incredibly tight season though never dropping out of the top 3.
As most of those who know me and chat to me at matches, they know how much the club means to me and always will, but something has to give. I have an incredibly busy, full on job that has become even more demanding in recent months, coupled with family commitments (Son and family in Cornwall, Daughter and Son-in-law in Cheshire and Kevin’s family in Liverpool) and living the majority of my time in London, makes it impossible to continue to give everything that this great club deserves. It is therefore with real regret that I am stepping down as Chairman effective 30 June 2023 (end of financial year). I am handing the reins of the football club to Keith who is just as passionate as I am about Halesowen Town. I am certain that he will ensure that we continue to progress and develop the club and aspire to go higher up the football pyramid and I know I am leaving the club in great hands.
You will see me at matches as and when my commitments allow and for those of you that want to chat I hope to be at the away friendly at Boldmere St Michael and also at The Grove for the Walsall Wood friendly.
Everyone associated with the football club during my time here has been phenomenal from the brilliant volunteers, president, vice presidents, management team, players, academy management team and players, and the fans. A special thank you to Kevin who has been beside me all the way, often at matches and known to many of you, behind the scenes helping me with the wages, VAT and accounts. I have been taken to heart by you all and I am eternally grateful for this and will never forget it. Halesowen Town is a very special club, at the heart of the local community and everyone associated with it should be as proud as I am to have been part of its great history.
Up the Yeltz.
Yours in football and friendship
Karen
CLUB NEWS
Smudger stays on
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HALESOWEN TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB are delighted that Paul Smith has accepted the offer made by Keith McKenna and Karen Brookes to stay on and manage the team next year. ''I believe there is lots more to come and he is already working hard and planning for the season ahead.'' Keith stated.
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''It’s an honour and privilege to sign another deal at this football club, ''Paul stated, ''It was amazing to guide the club to a much deserved promotion and ultimately a very successful season both on and off the pitch.
I want this to just be the start though, the spring board to future success.
To go from a successful season and turning that into a successful period for this fantastic club.
In no way am I underestimating the next division, it has a number of huge and very successful clubs in it, and the task ahead is tough, but I’m ready to embrace the challenge and hit it head on.
The preparations for next season start today.''
Further updates will following in due course.
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Up The Yeltz
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