KHIST Close Season Review (Luton Programme Page)

Well, here we go again. Another season. And I, for one, am extremely optimistic.

But the main purpose of the notes today is to bring you up to date with KHIST’s activities over the close season. So, where do I start?

It just has to be with the Fans’ Team, who for the second successive year, under the management of Dave Pountney, reached the final of the IFA Cup and this time brought home the silverware, defeating Ayr United Fans 3-0 on penalties after a very late equaliser in normal time. But you’ll hear more of their exploits in the next programme. The team also reached the later stages of the Worldnet tournament in Leeds, and will begin their Cup defence against Airdrie this season. Many congratulations and good luck to all concerned.

The Harriers Trust team also equalled their best ever placing, finishing 5th in the Kidderminster Sunday League Premier Division.

Both teams took part in the Fans’ Day at Aggborough in May and with the money they raised that day, £1200 has been donated to the Club (in exchange for shares) to assist with the new pool table area in the Harriers Arms. They have also donated Delwyn Humphries’ signed shirt from the West Ham Cup tie for display.

Lottery

Since its inception at the beginning of last year, the 2020 Lottery has raised £36,500 for the Club. This year we have pledged to provide at least £24,000 (again in exchange for shares) towards the budget. Income is currently running at £3,000+ a month from those taking part by standing order and from ticket sales, which have pleasingly held up well over the summer months, with prizes accounting for approximately £1,000. Our thanks go to all of you who have supported the Lottery and to those who put in every effort to increase sales. We are always pleased to hear from anyone who can sell tickets for us though, so give Dave Williams a call on 07984 625848.

For the third year running, KHIST has sponsored the 12th Man. Last year’s winner, Pete Kearns, was amazingly drawn out first at the Walsall friendly, but Pete graciously relinquished his win to give someone else the opportunity and at the second draw at the Stourbridge game, Martyn Woodward from Halstead in Essex received the accolade as you’ll see elsewhere in the programme. Many thanks to the Club for the reception Martyn and his daughter received at the photo call last week.

We will also be running the Player of the Month Award again this year, so remember to get voting after each home game.

And have you noticed our new advertising? No! Then have a look at the floodlights.

Back in May, we had hoped to hold a 25th Anniversary re-run of our last F A Trophy win over Burton Albion in a replay at The Hawthorns. Unfortunately, we had some technical problems with the DVD, but I’m pleased to say everything has been sorted, and the event will now take place on 26 Sepember in The Academy when we expect some of the squad at the time to join us. So, get the date in your diary – tickets are available from the KHIST tables and the Club shop.

KHIST Board changes

John Davies of Hire It continues to be our representative on the KHFC Board and provides an invaluable link, whilst respecting the confidential nature of many aspects of the Club’s business.

It is with regret that KHIST received the resignations of Dave Pountney, Karl Davies, Jono Smith and Adi Harper, all of whom have increased work and personal commitments, meaning they felt they were unable to devote the amount of time required to KHIST.

Dave was our previous Chairman and was instrumental in the instigation of the Lottery, also playing a leading role in our campaign to save the Club from administration last year, as was Karl, who became our media specialist with his TV and radio interviews and who was our first representative on the KHFC Board. Dave though continues to be closely involved with running the Fans’ Team.

Jono played a large part in the re-launch of the Junior Supporters’ Club last season with membership increasing to roundly 150, and Adi had for a number of years been our website expert.
Our thanks and best wishes go out to them all.

Mike Peplow (some of you will know him as Soupy) has joined the Board and you’ll probably see him before the game and at half time forking the pitch. Adam Matthews (Ede) who is Communications & Marking Executive at Sussex County Cricket Club has taken over responsibility for the website.

Finally, it’s that time of the year when KHIST Membership Subscriptions come up for renewal. It’s still only £1 for an adult and 50p for under 16s.

So, come on! Be a part of The Fans’ Voice.

Steve Millington
Chairman
KHIST