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Statement From The Mitcham Football Club, February 2008.
Last night a huge number of life members, members, past players, sponsors and supporters traveled from far and wide to attend the clubs extra ordinary meeting for a proposed merge with the Donvale Football Club. The clubs current situation was explained in detail by the committee so everybody had a complete understanding of where the club is at both on and off the field heading into season 2008.
Senior coach Paul Nigro then addressed the members with his playing group at his side. He expressed his full support to the committee, the clubs members and supporters and most importantly his playing group. "I believe the club can turn this situation around and continue 120 years of proud history without merging" Paul said. With player numbers increasing by the week the coaching staff and committee believe the club can stand alone in Division 3. When asked about the playing groups opinion on the merge Paul answered on their behalf. " The player's attitudes from day one have been faultless. We have a group who are prepared to work for the club and more importantly each other. The boys have responded well to new training methods and different coaching styles and even these merger talks, have not altered their commitment or willingness. A change of culture within the group has created a more tight knit unit, all working in the same direction. By adding new recruits to a team with so much energy and enthusiasm, the group believes we can succeed in Division 3 and do it on our own." Paul finished by describing the slogan his team have adopted for season 2008 and asked the club to adopt the same attitude. PAIN IS TEMPORARY, QUITTING IS FOREVER!"
When it came time to vote the merge was turned down. In a show of solidarity the room decided to fight on alone and continue too build on a fantastic history. Several members and supporters also offered their support to the committee in crucial areas such as recruitment and sponsorship. While extra help was obtained the club, we will require allot more help to make sure this season runs smoothly. During the year there are many jobs to be filled and in previous years it has been left to the same people too often. It doesn't matter how small the job is, that little bit of help can make a huge difference. Anybody who is prepared to offer their services to the club in season 08' can contact me on the number below.
The next few weeks will be crucial for the Mitcham Football Club. With merge talks now aside we will be looking to build on our current list of senior players. We believe the current group has set a standard that will attract additional recruits to the club. Their commitment to the club over the last few months has been exceptional and I congratulate them on that. Now is the time for prospective players to get on board and help this proud club rebuild and become successful again in the near future.
I thank everyone that turned up to the meeting and offered their support to the club. With everyone working in the same direction I believe we can turn this situation around. Paul's slogan for 2008 should be adopted by the entire club. The reward when the day comes will make it worth while.
Matt McCubbin
Vice President (Mitcham Football Club)
0414 438 616
mitcham@efl.org.au