Dear Club Member,
It is with great sadness that I write this year’s Chairman’s statement to announce the passing of Tony Linnett, our Chairman for the past 40 years. Tony founded Old St Mary’s Football Club in 1986 and has been at the heart of the club ever since, serving as player, Chairman and Match Secretary. Generations of players have felt his positive influence, and his dedication helped shape the Braves into the club we know today.
Tony will be deeply missed by us all. His presence, wit, and leadership are qualities we will always aspire to.
The strong and healthy state of the Club stands as part of Tony’s enduring legacy. He took immense pride in our mission to provide members with competitive football, while also striving for success on the field, most recently seen with the Firsts winning Division 1 South last season.
Over the summer, the Amateur Football Combination and the Southern Amateur League agreed to merge, forming the expanded Southern Amateur Football League. This season, the Firsts and Seconds will compete in Divisions 4 South and 15 South respectively. While the merger reflects the decline in numbers playing Saturday football, I am hopeful it will bring benefits such as reduced travel and avoiding situations where two teams from the same club compete in the same division, something the Seconds have had to face in recent years.
Thank you all for your continued support in these difficult times. Together, we can honour Tony’s legacy and look forward to another enjoyable and successful season.
Yours sincerely,
Paul Burton
Acting Chairman
Old St Mary’s Football Club
