The summer changes sees another friendly face leave our board and move to the terraces. Neil Clark was regularly found greeting fans, players and managers and often the face of the matchday experience for many of our visitors. We caught up with Neil as he starts to hand over the matchday mantle.
From the people we've spoken to it seems you've always been involved in the club, when did it begin?
NC: You know, I’m not really sure, I think it’s about 15yrs, I was involved for a couple of years, stepped back, only to return back to the club after a few months. Starting out I was
with Frome Town Sports, on the youth side, while my son Mike was playing. He played a few games for the FT U18s while with FT Sports. Mike was then asked to played a couple of 1st team games at 15 when Paul Thorpe was manager, as they didn't have a fit keeper at the time. It was after that he played U18s & I became their secretary.
How did you become a director? Following a few seasons in my role as the secretary for the U18s, I stepped up to be a Committee member. Then following the restructure of the board, I have been the Matchday / Stadium Manager until now. Where I was responsible for all the technicalities and requirements for each home game going ahead.
You've overseen a season where our home form was outstanding, what are your thoughts on this season and how it ended?
It’s a shame it ended the way it did, personally I think it could have been sorted better by the League. I thought we would have gained promotion, it would have been great testament to Danny & All the team after last seasons disappointment.
There's been alot of progress whilst you have been on the board, how does this make you feel looking back?
I’m proud to have been involved in the club & the progress it has made in recent years, when I think how it was when I 1st got involved, we seamed to be just ticking along & not really going anywhere. Whereas the club now has a strong sense of purpose.
What have been your standout moments?
As a committee / board the promotion to the Southern Prem is the highlight which we can all be proud of and the years we remained in the division. But my favourite moment on the field has to be the playoff final at Sholing.
You've had many crucial match day roles, how do will it make you to feel coming our next match to be able to just enjoy the match?
It will be strange, but ultimately it will be nice to come to games, relax & meet up with friends & enjoy watching the football.
We've just launched our new Director hunt, any advice for anyone coming in?
Just give it your all...embrace the responsibility of your position, give the club what you can & push it on to the next level & make this club even better. The potential is there.
What were your thoughts on the recent Crowdfunder appeal?
It was great to see the Town get behind the Club, as it’s a focal point for lot’s other community groups who use the facilities during the week. It’s just a shame that we don’t get more people coming to the games, they don’t know what a great community club we have & the great standard of football we play. We need everyone to champion the club to their friends and family.
Is there anyone you wish to thank?
I would like to thank everyone (to many to mention) who has been involved with the club, past & present for making it a great club. My life has revolved around football for the last 23yrs & although I’m stepping down from my current position, I’ll still be involved in the background helping with the ground development plans.
...and any messages to the supporters? We’ve got a great Manager in Danny, his back room staff & current players, let’s get behind them, support the board & get promoted back to the Southern Premier League where we belong.
The club wants to thank Neil Clark for all his hardwork and endeavours for the club, he will be sorely missed.
If you know anyone that might be interested in becoming a Director at Frome Town FC. please click here to nominate or find out more.
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