I’VE ALWAYS HAD HUNGER TO SUCCEED

PATRICK Chambers says is proud of the legacy he’s leaving behind as Hungerford Town chairman – and is determined to keep the club in safe hands.

Since taking over the top job at Bulpit Lane in April 2019, Chambers, along with his wife Nicky, has heralded an off the field transformation at the club, with the community becoming increasingly intertwined, resulting in attendances doubling.

However, as the local businessman prepares to take over the chairmanship at fellow Step 2 club Gloucester City in the summer, he’s on the lookout for his own replacement.

“It’s been such a wonderful experience,” the out-going Chambers told The NLP.

“Believe it or not, I didn’t have any real affiliation with Non-League football before my time with Hungerford and it’s opened my eyes to just how important these local football clubs are to residents.

“I’m proud of what we’ve created here, the gates have gone up from about 280 to almost 500. Our whole philosophy is about making the match day experience as memorable as possible, and we’ve looked to do that by revolutionising things like the catering – people travel far and wide to try our now infamous burgers!

Passion

“It’s a time of mixed emotions because I simply couldn’t turn down the opportunity to build something big with a club and city the size of Gloucester, but Hungerford has a special place in my heart.

“The most important thing I can do is hand the reins over to someone who will share the same passion as me and I implore anyone who thinks they can do it to get in contact.”

Before he sets off to National League North Gloucester, Chambers is hoping to leave the Crusaders with their Step 2 status in tact.

However, he knows the club are in for one hell of a battle.

Expectations

Before yesterday, Hungerford – managed by Danny Robinson since the summer of 2020 when he was lured from Berkshire neighbours Thatcham Town – sat at the foot of the National League South table, five points adrift of safety.

“It’s been really tough this year, we sold our top scorer, Ryan Seager, and have found it hard to replace those goals,” added Chambers.

“Danny did such a brilliant job to guide us to 12th last season. In truth it was a bit of a miracle because we were operating on one of the lowest budgets in the league and perhaps it raised expectations a bit too much.

“We have the battle of our lives to stay up, but I just have a feeling that we can pull off the great escape. We’ve lost 10 games by one goal margins, which shows just how close we have been.

“We have one of the best managers in the league in Danny, so my faith is certainly still there.

“It’s quite simple. I have two wishes. For the club to stay up and to find the right person to come in and replace me. It’s certainly going to be an important few months!”