"I have been under pressure for some time to contribute a column or some such thing for this fantastic website. "Lythgoe's Log" has been suggested and may be adopted. Threats including putting laxatives in my fish & chips have eventually won me over. Firstly a brief intro. Hopefully, for everyones sake, any future contributions won't be as long as this. Although I played football for a number of clubs, both Sat & Sun, my history with Long Stratton stretches back to 1975 when we played in the Norwich & District league where dressing rooms were a luxury and showers only came from clouds. Anyone who used deodorant was highly suspect. Playing as captain we won promotion to the Anglian Combination in 1977. Over 3 separate spells, returning again at the beginning of the 2003/4 season, I have been involved in most areas from Player/ Player-Manager/ Youth Team Manager/Committee member etc. Currently occupying 3 positions within the club. Assistant Manager to 1st.Team, Coach & trainer & General Manager. Maybe that's 4, anyway, two positions is really enough, 3 is just greedy, but I need the money! (laxative free chips would be a good start). Most people will know of the progress the whole club has made over the recent past both on and off the field with vital contributions from many good people, resulting in excellent positions for both Senior teams and the recent addition of 2 youth teams and a ladies team. The most important thing that needs to be highlighted is that everything has been achieved with local people. I don't believe that any other club in the Anglian Combination can boast 2 Senior teams based on players that were either born or live locally. And I would also add that they are a tremendous bunch of guys with a great team spirit and commitment to the club. This has been born out even more this year with excellent attendance, enthusiasm & attitude at Tues night training. (Thinking about it, these 3 also apply to Sat nights as well !!).
However, the club must now look forward to achieving new successes and breaking new ground. One area which may not help us win any medals but to which we must comply if we wish to be considered a serious and well run football club is the area of Health & Safety and Codes of Conduct and every single person in the club must buy into this. In the coming weeks Players, Managers & Officials of the club will be involved or made aware to some degree or other. Everyone just mentioned above is a "member of the club" and can therefore enhance the reputation of the club or let us down. There will be documentation covering H & S, Codes of Conduct and Anti-discrimination etc posted in the dressing rooms. It is everyones personal responsibility to make themselves aware of the contents and where necessary pass them on. These are all subjects which we are used to impinging on other areas of our daily working lives but relatively new to football. However, a bit like drinking & driving laws and speeding restrictions, we might find them a pain in the backside at times but we all know they make sense. By covering these areas we are also showing other clubs that we have standards of conduct and hospitality at all levels. The only reason any club should feel nervous about coming to Long Stratton F.C. is that they will be well & truly stuffed in a game of football.
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