Message from the CEO

Dear Members and supporters,

I know  that I am only stating the obvious when I say that we are all waiting for that elusive win from our League team in 2022. And it will come. We have asked for your patience and support which I know cannot be faulted. We will continue to keep trying and experimenting to find the best mix of players that will  take away a win, and then some. Our reserves are performing well, and our Junior development teams are brimming with talent. They will take us forward too. It is still heartening to see so many of our supporters brave all sorts of weather and times to come and cheer them on –especially when we need it most. Thank you.

Our players haven’t given up –quite the opposite; that is evident in the way they go about their training, on field persistence and coming back week after week to turn the tide. Our Coach is right there beside them.

As a Club we are also actively trying to make sure that Westies Bar and Bistro is a thriving and welcoming place where you can come and meet friends and enjoy one of our excellent meals. Our opening hours will be extended to pre-Covid times as of Wednesday, and we are again serving delicious dinners on a Saturday night –whether we host a home match or are playing away. The feedback I have received about the quality of our food has been excellent as has the feedback from the service we deliver in the Bar from our patrons.

Off the park, we are slowly  making improvements in the way we are managing the business and importantly how we service our membership.

We have four new staff that have recently joined the team, and I encourage you all to swing past the office and say hello. While they are part-time, you will be able to see them most days and always on Game Day.

Josh Ryan, one of our experienced and a highly talented player has taken on our Communications and Marketing. If you have a story that you would like us to share, please get in touch, he is more than willing to help. I trust that you have seen we are committed to sharing more information with you all and engaging with players, members and our volunteers.

Sam Fielke, has taken up the role of Corporate and Stakeholder Engagement Manager, and has hit the ground running, connecting with sponsors, partners and our Coterie Groups.

Cindy Siekman is overseeing our General Operations – troubleshooting, looking for improvements in our customer service areas and fulfilling the member experience. Many of you have already met Cindy and I am sure you would agree that she is always willing to try and help out.

Catherine Thomson is the face of Westies. She can be found at the front counter, where she looks after all general enquiries, assists with membership and merchandise purchases and has quickly become a valuable all-rounder, especially all things technical.

I would also like to acknowledge the patience of you all as our famous BBQ stall was forced to close on Saturday due to a gas leak. I know many look forward to their home game treats and we have someone addressing the issue as I write this piece. Westies are renowned for putting on the best BBQ in the League and to not have it available was disappointing for everyone –especially me as I love my sausage and onion sandwich.

This week we are playing away at Wigan Oval and I hope to see you all out there in the black and red supporting our boys.

Conny

WAFC CEO