Message from the New Chairman
Dear Members, Families, and Friends of Cranleigh Football Club,
A very warm welcome, and thank you for your continued support of our club.
First, I want to express our gratitude to Ian Dobbs, who has led as Chairman for the past 20 years. His vision and dedication have helped shape Cranleigh FC into the thriving community we know today. We are fortunate that Ian will continue as Club Secretary, with Pete Ridley moving from Secretary to Treasurer.
I also want to recognise one of our unsung heroes, Steve Dawes. Steve has been part of the club for decades — he even coached me back in the mid-90s, as well as played for 15 years! He has done a superb job as Treasurer and will now support the administration of our adult teams. My thanks go to both Ian and Steve for their remarkable commitment.
As I step into the role of Chairman, I feel privileged to inherit a club in such a strong position. We have brilliant members, dedicated coaches, and a committed committee who make everything possible. Special thanks go to Lisa and Greg Hard, Marty Fullard, Pete Ridley, Chris Liddicott, Lucy Kinlock, Sam Rix, Dave Nicholas, Steve Batchelor, Roger Barribal, Ian Dobbs, and Gareth Emmett, along with their teams working tirelessly behind the scenes. There is also an army of more volunteers, from IT to pitch coordination. It’s a long list!
Our growth has been remarkable: more than 600 members, 52 affiliated teams, and football for all ages — from Under-5s through to Walking Football, across both men’s and women’s pathways. Delivering that much football safely and enjoyably is no small task, and it’s only possible thanks to our volunteers.
A little about me: I’ve been a Cranleigh player for 38 years. This club has given me lifelong friendships, teamwork, and the joy of football. My goal as Chairman is simple — to ensure every player, young or old, has the same opportunity to enjoy the game, whether through success on the pitch or simply playing with a smile.
Looking ahead, we are shaping an ambitious 10-year plan to strengthen the club. This includes building partnerships, improving facilities, and growing sustainably. We are grateful for the support of the Parish Council, Glebelands, and Cranleigh Cricket Club, who all share our vision for the future.
On the adult side, we are focused on developing our own talent and creating clear pathways from youth football into our men’s and women’s teams. All of our adult squads are in a strong position this season: the First Team (Sam Carpenter, Paul Jones, Dave Nicholas), Reserves (Ben Horne), Development side (Andy Lee), Vets (Richie Bowers), and Women’s Team (Nick Bamford) are all set for exciting campaigns. Even more encouraging, thanks to Steve Batchelor and his son, we’re reintroducing an U17/18 team this year.
Cranleigh FC is thriving, and I couldn’t be prouder to take on this role. Thank you for your ongoing support — whether it’s at fundraising events, helping behind the scenes, or cheering the Cranes from the sidelines. Together, we’ll continue to grow and build something special for the whole community.
With thanks and best wishes,
Stefan Brash
Chairman,
Cranleigh Football Club
