7. THE STAFFS COUNTY SENIOR LEAGUE 2023-24 ...

The challenge of building a team to compete in the SCSL Premier and to ultimately achieve promotion back to the NWCL... 

As previously mentioned, in the summer of 2023, Rocester found themselves in the Premier Division of the Staffs County Senior League.

The chairman was quick to point out that there were several 'well-established' and successful teams in the league who were more than capable of playing at a higher level and who were only denied promotion due to ground grading issues, and he was quick to assure the club that as a result, the SCSL Premier Division was highly competitive and that there was no room for complacency on the part of Rocester FC...

The chairman also alluded to the committee that he anticipated that Rocester's first season would probably see a period of consolidation with a mid-table finish before making a concerted effort to achieve promotion in their second season.

The first match of season took place away at Buxton FC Reserves where the Romans ran out 4-0 winners.
However, the elation of a big win was 'short-lived' as we lost our next match at Redgate Clayton FC by 7-0!!! This was a clear reality check and a real wake-up call as to the enormity of the challenge that lay ahead!

As the chairman had predicted, this league was no 'push-over' and wins were few and far between as the dream was turning into a nightmare, and on more than one occasion, the new management team offered their resignation - which the chairman rejected as he believed that the management team should be given a chance to see the 'fruits of their considerable effort'.

And as if to add insult to injury, in mid October, the club's ground was badly damaged when the nearby River Dove burst its banks following a heavy storm and the resulting flood caused damage to the changing rooms and clubhouse, and completely destroyed the perimeter fencing at both ends of the ground...

Financially, this could have put the Romans out of business, however, following a successful fundraising campaign and thanks to the generosity of many individuals, businesses and a grant from the Football Foundation, the necessary repairs to the clubhouse and changing rooms, and the replacement of the fence were made possible. In addition, a small but dedicated team consisting of players, committee members and family members completed the 'clean-up' operation in double-quick time...

Meanwhile, back on the pitch, the chairman continued to support the management in their endeavours, but despite their considerable efforts, the final straw came following a 3-1 loss away at Madeley White Star on December 16th and with a heavy heart, the club parted company with Pete, Danny and Matt - who it has to be said, were so understanding and fully appreciated our situation and circumstances and wished us well for the remainder of our campaign...

During the previous three months, Leigh Parr (who had previously been involved in coaching at a junior level at Mickleover Town FC and whose son Owen had recently signed for Rocester), had offered his services to the club and had been getting involved in the training and coaching side of the operation. The chairman asked Leigh if he was interested in taking on the role of Team Manager... After consideration, Leigh accepted the position on the understanding that he could also appoint his colleague from Mickleover - Richard Wood - as Joint Manager and Coach...

Rocester's next match saw them playing Ashbourne FC at Hillsfield on the 30th December 2023... To be continued...

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