“Together, we can achieve something special”
Staveley has been a huge part of my life for well over a decade. I first joined the club as a 19-year-old, captaining the Under-19s before progressing into the first team, where I was fortunate enough to captain the side and make over 100 appearances in a Staveley shirt.
The club has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. It has given me some incredible memories, lifelong friendships and opportunities that I will always be grateful for. To have gone from captaining the youth team, to leading the first team, and then having the privilege of managing the club is something I never take for granted.
Over the last four seasons as manager, we’ve worked tirelessly to move the club forward. Securing playoff positions in two of those seasons and narrowly missing out in another shows the commitment, effort and progress that has been made by everyone involved. While we’re proud of those achievements, there is still a feeling that there is more to come.
On a personal level, Staveley means far more than football. It has always been a place where my family have felt welcome and part of something special. The club showed great kindness to my late grandad, who loved coming to watch games, and I’ll always be thankful that he was able to enjoy being part of the club and the matchday experience. That says everything about the people at Staveley and the culture that has been built here over many years.
A special mention must go to Terry and everyone who has worked so hard to create an environment that puts people first. The club has always been about more than results; it’s about community, togetherness and giving people a place to belong.
Looking ahead, we all share the same ambition. We want to see Staveley competing at a higher level and achieving the success that everyone connected with the club deserves. To do that, we need everybody pulling in the same direction – supporters, volunteers, players, coaches, committee members and every team throughout the club.
My vision of football has always been simple: when people come together with a shared purpose, great things can happen. I genuinely believe Staveley provides the perfect environment for that. If we continue to support one another, work hard and stay united, I have no doubt that we can achieve something special together. We are just getting started.
Together!
Pat Lindley
1st team manager
