Deeping Rangers chairman Richard Knighton looks back on their season.
Chairman Richard Knighton feels there is plenty to be optimistic about after a 'character building' campaign at Deeping Rangers.
The Clarets only escaped relegation from the United Counties League Premier Division North in the penultimate match of the season after a challenging start to the campaign.
They parted company with then-manager Johnny Alflatt after a disappointing run of results following pre-season success in the South Kesteven Charity Cup.
Brett Whaley then took over and successfully guided Rangers to safety before ending the season on a high with victory in the final of the Hinchingbrooke Cup.
Knighton said: "It has been an extremely challenging year, both on and off the field, for everyone connected with the first team.
"Pre-season results were positive which gave us momentum going into the league campaign.
"But, after a poor run in the league with five consecutive defeats, it quickly became apparent that we needed a change in leadership.
"We interviewed several strong candidates but one name kept cropping up which was Brett Whaley.
"After our first conversation, it was clear he was the right man to take us forward and his impact has been everything we hoped for and more.
"We were all under no illusions about the size of the task ahead but Brett and his team stayed focused and, slowly but surely, we pulled away from the drop zone.
"It took longer than anyone hoped, not least because the teams around us kept picking up points, but we never stopped working to put things right.
"We started the season with a trophy, ended the season with a trophy and, everything in between, let's just call it 'character-building.'
"There is much to be optimistic about though and we will strive for a less challenging and, hopefully more successful, campaign next season."
The Clarets chairman was also full of praise for everyone behind the scenes at the club and the ever-increasing fan base who continued to turn out in force despite Deeping's league position.
Knighton added: "I must thank the board members, coaches and volunteers who continue to give up their valuable time completely unpaid to keep Deeping Rangers running and growing.
"Without their ongoing commitment and passion, the club simply wouldn't be where it is today.
"Much is said about grassroots football in what makes a club strong and what threatens its future.
"While financial challenges are often cited, in my view the greatest threat we face is a lack of volunteers.
"I want to put out a heartfelt plea to anyone with even a passing interest in football to get down to your local club and offer whatever help you can.
"I also want to thank the supporters who have stood by us through thick and thin this season.
"It hasn't always been easy to watch but the loyalty has not gone unnoticed.
"It’s been fantastic to see our attendances grow and the emergence of a younger group of supporters regularly at matches is a real boost."
Rangers will start their pre-season preparations on Tuesday, July 1, with a home match against Thurlow Nunn League side Whittlesey Athletic.
They then travel to Pinchbeck United on Saturday, July 5, for a 1.30pm kick-off before hosting National League North side Peterborough Sports on Tuesday, July 8.
A home match against Eynesbury Rovers has been arranged for Saturday, July 12, with Deeping then hosting Harrowby United on Wednesday, July 16.
Pre-season concludes with a trip to March Town - who Deeping defeated in the Hinchingbrooke Cup final - on Saturday, July 19.
