We are now almost at the end of June, with last season’s activities becoming a memory. The awards evening took place last Monday and although it could have been better attended, for those who did come they had a memorable and enjoyable evening.

Hendon were ab-fab
The medallists have all been reported in the paper, but I would just like to mention here the fabulous achievement of Hendon United Sports in winning everything in their path. This is the indication of a truly great team and on this note, I was disappointed to read the unsavoury comments made about them. This was unwarranted but did not detract from what they and their manager had done.

Next season
We are now in the process of preparing for next season. Everything is in its earliest stages but looks like we will have one or two teams less than last year and therefore have to adjust accordingly.

New pilot scheme - roll-on subs
The AGM of the league is not until July 7, where everything will be finalised but the most ‘contentious’ issue will be whether we go ahead with the ‘Pilot Scheme’ of repeated (on-off/roll-on) substitution or stay as we are. The FA (under F.I.F.A.direction) is allowing the use of between THREE and SEVEN substitutes. We will have to wait and see what the clubs want, but I have already taken a ‘straw poll’ amongst the secretaries and the majority seem to prefer the current system.

The Hammers - back where they belong
West Ham United. Well, we are thankfully back where we belong in the Premier League but now have to bring in players that are capable of sustaining this position. Our trip to Wembley in the play-offs proved yet again how much that team fell short of a true Premier League challenge. I have no doubt that the two David’s and Sam Allardyce will be working hard all summer to improve the squad and make us into a real force.

My Olympic Challenge
The Olympics are almost upon us and I am really looking forward to playing my part as a Volunteer at the ‘Olympic Park’ in Stratford. I grew up in the area and how it has changed down the years. The Westfield complex is a truly great shopping mall and I recommend everyone to visit it. The Olympic site itself used to be the old railway marshalling yards and how great it now looks. I hope that the heritage that will be left for the East End of London and Borough of Newham will benefit the area for many years to come but ONE thing I do not want to happen is for WEST HAM to move to the Olympic Stadium. A poll reported that 86 per cent of us want to remain at the Boleyn Ground, Upton Park and that’s how I hope it will be.

Enjoy the remainder of our ‘summer’ and I will see you all next season.

David Wolff
Chairman
JCMaccabi (Southern) Football League