This being the 16th Annual report and it will be the last one to carry the name of The Wiltshire County Football League title. At last season's Annual General Meeting, member Clubs agreed to increase the boundary of the League, so in line, the name of the League will have to be changed at the meeting on 3rd June, 1992. Allowing clubs to enter the League who are within 15 miles from the boundary of Wiltshire, will allow the expansion of the League to continue. As a result of this rule amendment last season, two clubs outside Wiltshire are seeking election at this seasons Annual General Meeting.

Representatives of the Management Committee have attended two meetings at Clevedon with the Great Mills Western League and two similar meetings at Aston Clinton with representatives from the Hellenic League. All matters appertaining to the pyramid formation was discussed at these meetings. As a result of the meetings with the Hellenic League and other Leagues in this pyramid system, a small inter-league tournament may be formed, but details have not yet been finalised. The constitution of both pyramid system will be contained in next seasons handbook. The Management Committee are now eagerly awaiting for a Member Club to be promoted under this system. All Clubs have been issued with standards required to meet their obligation to be considered for promotion. To be considered for promotion under the pyramid system, all Clubs must have their ground and facilities up to the standard by 31st March. Clubs will initially have an inspection carried out by Members of our Management Committee, who will then decide whether to recommend the Club to its selected League for promotion. It must be emphasised that Clubs will not be recommended unless all facilities are in order when the League carries out its own inspection. After this initial inspection by the League, a further inspection will be carried out by either the Great Mills League or Hellenic League, with representatives of the Management Committee present. If any Club wish to have preliminary inspections carried out at any time during the season, this will be readily available.

The new Floodlight Cup Competition proved successful and enjoyable for the six participating teams. Beazer Homes League team, Trowbridge Town, kindly offered to host the first final against Chippenham Town from the Great Mills Western League. Trowbridge Town showed their superiority during the second half of the final and recorded a 7-1 victory. The Management Committee expresses its sincere thanks to Trowbridge Town for their hospitality during the evening.

It is hoped that more teams will participate in next seasons competition. Enquiries have already been received from teams outside the League. Again this season an interesting meeting was held with team managers to select a squad of players for the Annual representative fixture against our friends from the Dorset Combination League. Kevin Cranmer from Division 1 Champions',;Arnesbury Town, was invited to be team manager, which he accepted .. The Management Committee wish to express its gratitude for the hard work .and the professional manner in which Kevin set about organising a team for.this fixture. It was unfortunate that the Management Committee chose the only week of the season to play this match, when the grounds ~as frozen hard and the original December date had to be re-arranged. Eventually the game was played in March and again as in previous years. the League team had enough of the play to win the match, but luck was not with us and lost the match 3 - 1. Our thanks are recorded to Chippenham Town Football Club for staging this match and to Mr. & Mrs. Doug Webb for the excellent food provided for team members after the match.

Hardings informed the Management Committee that their sponsorship of the two Cup Competitions would not be extended, so the search for sponsors began. Mr. Doug Perry, a valuable member of the Management Committee indicated that his Company, "ADDKEY PRINT LTD" would be prepared to sponsor the senior Knock-out Cup Competition. This kind offer was readily accepted, so our appreciation to "ADDKEY PRINT LIMITED" for the sponsorship and for providing excellent trophies for the finalists. Mr. Perry has indicated that "ADDKEY PRINT LIMITED" will continue sponsorship next season. Our dear friend Debbie, from FOUNTAIN TROPHIES of Bristol, was approached to see if sponsorship was available for the Junior Knock-out Cup Competition, and she kindly agreed to sponsor this competition. FOUNTAIN TROPHIES also offered to present a new perpetual cup which was won by Box Rovers. FOUNTAIN TROPHIES are to continue with the sponsorship next season.

CONSTITUTION

At the Annual General Meeting last June, it was agreed that the formation of Divisions would be Division One - 15, Division Two - 14, Division Three - 15, and Division Four - 15. Before the season had commenced Spartans Football Club resigned in August, and this was closely followed by the resignation of A.F.C. Ridgeway in September. with the resignation of both of these Clubs, this left Division Four with only 13 teams for the remainder of the season.

The dry and hot summer did not help Walcot Athletic and West Swindon who share the facilities at Gorse Hill Recreation ground in Swindon. Huge cracks appeared almost all over the pitch, which made this ground unplayable. Thamesdown Recreation Committee then decided to carry out a sand slitting exercise on the pitch. After they had completed the work, the pitch resembled the beach at Weston-Super-Mare after the tide had gone out, instead of a Senior ground on which to play football. 

Eventually, after much wheeling and dealing, pitches were found at Penhill and Greendown schools. The Wiltshire County Football Association gave both Clubs special dispensation to play at the school grounds until the end of the season. Next season will see Walcot Athletic playing at Southbrook Recreation ground, but West Swindon have decided to remain at Greendown School. 

During March, Salisbury Deaf and Sunray Badbury informed the Management Committee that they will not be competing in the League next season.

I am happy to report that a profit of £265.51 was made on this years workings up to 31st March, 1992. This is £220 less than last year and must be considered very satisfactory. 

The profit is in fact much higher than anticipated because in February it appeared that the League would just about break even. However, income from Fines, although only slightly less than last season, was much more than anticipated at that time and general committee expenses and telephone charges were very surprisingly down on last year by £96 .

Printing and Stationery charges as anticipated by me last year increased by about £125 and Postage was up £143. Awards cost £95 more but extra expenditure enabled the League to maintain its standards and purchase trophies which we believe are appreciated by all those fortunate enough to receive one.

Income from Building Society interest was down £61 and will fall further this year and the League did not sell so many handbooks, so receipts were down by £83.

Once again I thank all the Officers for being so prudent with their expenses and also to Debbie and Paul of Fountain Trophies for their excellent service and donating the awards for the Junior Cup. We are also most grateful to Doug Perry for sponsoring through his company Addkey Print Ltd the Senior Cup.

Your Management Committee do not intend to recommend increases in honoraria to Officers for the fourth year in succession.

The financial situation relating to the League for next season has been carefully appraised and it is considered that although a profit was made last year, a small increase in annual subscriptions should be made as well as increasing some other charges for the forthcoming season. These increases are shown in your Management Committees suggested Rule amendments and if passed will keep the League on a sound financial footing.

I should like to thank the President for his continued support and advice, and also all Vice Presidents for their interest. I am gratefull to Pete Mundy our honorary auditor for carrying out his duties so quickly.

Finally a big thank you to all Clubs for their efficient way in dealing with financial affairs relating to the League.

J. S. NORTHOVER

HON. TREASUER

My thanks go out once more to the majority of Clubs for their continued co-operation in submitting team sheets etc promptly. 

May I request that all clubs when sending registration and transfer forms, also provide a Stamped Addressed Envelope for slips/receipts to be returned to you. This will ensure that players are correctly registered and/or transferred before the next applicable match. You will also have confirmation of such transactions. 

There were still an increasing number of "double-signings" particularly in the early part of the season, players who may have signed for a Club during the early summer, then forget they have done so. Check with me if not sure. 

Some team sheets still show players of similar name not separately identified, please assist me by checking more thoroughly.

Total registrations for the season were 1784, and transfers numbered 70. A small increase on last season. 

Any new club needing guidance on Registration matters, is welcome to call or telephone me during July and August (pre-season).

Finally, best wishes for the summer break and for season 1992/93.

R.J.M. WIRDNAM

HON. REGISTRATION SECRETARY

Having just completed my fourth season in post I feel that season 1991/92 has been my easiest, mainly due to the very mild winter we had. Referees are certainly far more reliable in mild weather and it makes my life easier.

During the season I have used a total of 179 referees, comprising of 95 Class I, 41 Class 2 and 43 Class 3 referees, a total that was almost the same as last season. I have had to cover a total of 1,797 appointments, both referee and linesmen and I have only had seven matches when it was only possible for me to provide one linesmen. The additional Floodlit Trophy accounted for the rise from last year but covering floodlit matches does not produce any difficulty as referees seem to enjoy operating under floodlights.

Every contributory linesman was given at least 10 appointments with only one exception, and he had personal problems and did not officiate for three months. On the subject of Contributory Officials I have encountered difficulty with the Western League particularly in relation to the "four day rule" and have found that establishing a working relationship with the Referees Secretary has been extremely difficult at times.

I have had only minor problems with some clubs, the main problem being of the clubs not telling me of cancelled matches, quite often when I could have used the officials in an alternative match. All the clubs in breach of that Rule have been reported and the Disciplinary Committee dealt with each club accordingly.

The Referees Committee of the League met with the Wiltshire F.A. Referees Committee in order to iron out a few differences we had. That meeting turned out to be a success and we now hopefully have achieved a better working rapport with that Committee.

After 25 years exemplary service, Peter Vines is nominated to receive this seasons appreciation award at the Annual General Meeting. Peter always gives the League full co-operation and will accept any appointment, so this award is well deserved. 

In conclusion, season 1991/92 has been a very successful season and I sincerely hope that the forthcoming season will reach that same success.

M.W.E.FARROW

HON REFEREE'S APPOINTMENTS SECRETARY

In terms of fixture making, Season 1991/92 was a dream. For the second Season running, Wiltshire enjoyed not only a reasonably mild winter, but a dry one too with the result that the number of cancellations due to adverse weather conditions was minimal. However there is always one cloud on a silver lining as the experiences of Corsham Town testify. Imagine having completed your league program by the end of March your Club are sitting comfortably in a mid-table position only to sit back and watch as one by one teams below you gain vital points to overtake you by the end of the season. This is precisely what happened to both Corsham teams. Their first team were worsely affected since they were relegated from Division 1 along with Chippenham Town Reserves. Their second team although technically experiencing the same fate were saved from relegation from Division 3 because of the high number of applicants to Division 4 for Season 1992/93 assuming that the Management Committee's recommendations are accepted. It may not be mere coincidence, but with the advent of the pyramid system there have been more applications for entry into the League for season 1992/93 especially at junior level. Because of the increased numbers, it will ensure that the coming Season will continue right up to its closing date and no team should have completed its program by the end of March. Down Ampney and Tidworth United will make history as the first two entrants into the newly formed Wiltshire League from outside of the County, again always assuming the Management Committee's recommendation are accepted.

Back to the league front, during Season 1991/92 Amesbury Town almost did a "Blackburn Rovers". At the beginning of April, they were galloping away with the Division 1 Championship, but after a series of indifferent results, they allowed Sanford and Pewsey Vale to close the gap and really in the end it became another exciting finish with Amesbury finally getting home by one point from Sanford. Amesbury Town were also seeking to complete the "double" for the second Season running, but after a very exciting "ADDKEY" Senior cup Final played at Marlborough, the match went to extra time and saw Pewsey Vale come out as 3-2 victors. This was Pewsey's first "ADDKEY· Senior Cup Final success.

The top places in Division 2 changed hands so frequently up to Christmas that in a matter of two games competing teams could rise from the depths of the league to the heights and vice versa. After Christmas, things settled down once Dorcan had asserted their superiority and the only issues in doubt was who would join them in Division 1 next season. Walcot Athletic, always with games in hand because of pitch difficulties at the beginning of the Season, constantly looked a good bet to finish Runners-up while Chiseldon just pipped Plessey Avebury into the third promotion place. 

The quality of football in Division 3 continued to live up to it high level and Sunray Badbury, like Walcot Athletic in Division 2, always with games in hand deservedly took the Championship for the second season running. Salisbury Manor and National Semiconductor made them go all the way with the south Wiltshire side finishing Runners-up. 

Division 4 was dominated throughout by four teams and perhaps it is fitting that the team finishing in fourth place, Burmah Castrol Reserves, are being recommended for promotion because of the large number of teams applying for entry into this league, despite the fact that normally only three are promoted. Plessey Semics justified their decision to "go senior" by comfortably winning the Championship, but perhaps the most noteworthy feat in this Division was performed by Box Rovers in their first Season back in the league after an absence of four years. They not only finished Runners-up, but just for good measure they carried away the"Fountain Trophies” Junior Cup in the first ever all Division 4 final against Burmah Castrol Reserves played at Malmesbury Victoria. Box Rovers got to the Final the hard way by defeating Division 3 opposition in every round except the second. Wroughton Reserves gained the third promotion place.

A year ago, I commented on the exciting times ahead as a result of the League's involvement in the Pyramid system and spreading its wings outside of the County and nothing has happened since to change my view. In fact the introduction of the Floodlit Cup and its success in the first Season has served to endorse that view for the coming Season, the competition may well attract teams from outside of the county. I believe the newly formed Wiltshire League will now go from strength to strength with the full backing of its Member Clubs and Management Committee, to whom I am once again indebted for the help and support they have afforded me. I am also again indebted to Club Secretaries for the manner in which they have conducted their business, which has made my job that much easier.

P.M. COOK

HON. FIXTURE SECRETARY

Our congratulations go out to Salisbury Manor who reached the final of the Wiltshire County Junior Cup final. I know that coming second in both this cup competition and being runners-up in the League, will be classed as a failure to Peter Burden, but considering he resurrected this Club two seasons ago, after losing its original ground at the Manor hospital, he has done remarkably well.

It would be remiss of me not to mention a gentleman who has given over 40 years of his life to the administration of football. This gentleman is Sid Ashman, who has decided not to seek re-election at the Annual General Meeting, thus allowing a younger person to seek election and gain experience in League Management at its highest level. Sid was the General Secretary when the League was formed in 1976, and it was his hard work during the initial seasons that set us on the solid foundations which exists to-day. My personal thanks to Sid for the guidance and advice he has readily given to me since his retirement as Hon. General Secretary. I know he will always be available if ever advice is required in the future. Our congratulations to Sid and his wife Molly, who celebrated their Golden Wedding on 2nd May, 1992 - may they enjoy many more years together.

One "young" gentleman, I feel deserves a mention is our press officer, Harry Beattie. Harry was 90 years of age in April and what a remarkable job he is still doing for the League. All Secretaries know that when the telephone rings on a Saturday evening, it is Harry seeking details of the match. The amount of work put in by Harry is appreciated by all concerned - so may good health remain with him for many more years, so that the excellent reports which appear in local newspapers can still be enjoyed by many followers of football.

My sincere thanks to members of the Management Committee, who have again supported me during a very hectic season. Club Secretaries are not forgotten, so to all, a "big thank you" for your co-operation with me and other League Officers.

Next season will see the start of re-building the League back to its original strength and I am sure this is only the beginning of a new era for the League.

PJ ACKRILL

HON.GENERAL SECRETARY