CHAIRMAN Ben Hince rarely misses a Holme Lacy game, but a family commitment meant he was unable to travel to Tenbury.

Hince has been at the club for 24 years and cannot remember the last time he was not present at a match.

"It was my son's birthday, so I was unavailable," said Hince.

"I was updated by a number of texts though."

Hince had to retire from playing due to a serious injury, but remained at the club and has filled a number of roles.

He said the club now has a solid foundation and is pleased with the role his management team are doing.

"Over the past five years we have concentrated on improving the playing surface and building a club house called “Lambos”, named after John Lambert who served and supported the club for a long time," said Hince.

"We decided to do this as I believe a great playing surface and club house will attract players to join the club.

"This was completed in 2012 and at the time we only had one senior team but struggled in the Premiership so we decided to drop back in to Division One.

"At this time the club looked unstable and it was a struggle to field a team each week.

"However, Matt Ferriday contacted me to see if he could hire the pitch as he was thinking of starting a team.

"When we met it was clear that Matt had the same club principles as we did and I was delighted he decided to join us as club manager.

"Nick Simpson also joined us with his then under 14 West Midlands side who play a really high level of football.

"I am so pleased with Matt, Roger Price, Chris Ferriday and Hugh Jenkins, who run the senior team and Nick, Paul Andrews and Mark Taylor, who run the youth side.

"We also have a very strong committee and back-room staff from Jackie Andrews and the parents who look after the refreshments for the youth team and Paul Macklin and Katie Hince who run the bar and food for the senior team."