Nub News gets UP CLOSE with Hadleigh United chairman John Chenery who explains how an Essex boy came to run this Suffolk club, and why you too should come along and back the Brettsiders

If your idea of non-league football is 22 beery blokes hoofing the ball 60 yards hoping someone will get on the end of it, watched by one man and his dog with inhospitable conditions, then a trip to Hadleigh United's Millfield stadium will be an eyeliner.

John Chenery is a convert of some 30 years and has issued an open invite to all Hadleigh townsfolk to get along to take a look at their town's family friendly club, and the facilities it has to offer.

While United, nicknamed the Brettsiders, are no free-scoring Liverpool or Manchester City, John, who was reelected as chairman in July, believes football lovers will be pleasantly surprised a the standard on offer, both on and of the pitch.

Hadleigh, managed by Steve Holder, play in the Thurlow Nunn Premier League, and the requirements for facilities for supporters and players is a far cry from the Sunday League park pitches, some may associate with football outside the professional game.

"Non league football is far more entertaining than people might think," said John. "Some people prefer to pay mega bucks to watch an Ipswich Town or a Premier League side, whereas the most you will pay here is £7.

"People need to go to their local club in their town at venture out and see what you are missing.

"Come along as a neutral to start with and watch some decent football in decent conditions."

One of the quirks of football at this level is the freedom for supporters to wander about and it is usual for visiting fans to move to end their side is attacking, with the added attraction of enjoying a bit of banter with keeper

Get a beer at the clubhouse bar, or a cuppa and bite to eat from the tea hut, along with service with a smile no matter the scoreline.

John's relationship with United started back in the he used to be a Clacton fan and got to know former chairman Simon King who he got talking to when he went to watch Clacton at Brightlingsea.

John said: "Simon gave me and my wife complimentary tickets to watch a game at Hadleigh and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The relationship grew and in 1995 I became membership secretary, then general secretary and became chairman for a short while.

When work commitments became overwhelming in 2008 as his franchise business thrived, John took a break rom football.

But he was lured back in administrative duties in 2017 when previous chairman Rolf Beggerow invited him back to the fold and John was back on the committee and helping the legendary Terry Adams as press officer.

In 2020 John became vice chair and moved into the chairman's role chair after Rolf stepped back due to his role with town council.

If John keeps his position at the club's AGM next July it would mark a milestone for him and he added: It would be good to be chairman 30 years after first getting involved with the club but you never know in life."

John is pleased with the progress the club is making off and on the pitch and is enthused to carry on the good work.

"We have a good set up," he said. "We have a very good backroom team with Rolf as treasurer, Neil Henderson club secretary, Peter Timpion?? kit manager Mark >> vice chair.

"We could always do with a bit more help behind the scenes, special need for general secretary to help out on the administrative side."

A generous donation left by club legend and former president Terry Adams in his will is being spent on ground improvements, and Hadleigh United is abiding by that caveat.

John said: "During lockdown we got on with a lot of work. We have put up pitch railing mesh to to be able to display advertising around three quarter of pitch.

"It has all be done in house and we have used the money to ensure we have done jobs that needed doing, which is what Terry would have wanted.

"Terry Adams walking dictionary when it came to football and he always said he would look after the club had to be spent on ground improvements and we have made sure that happened."

There are also plans for new kitchen and catering area which they are seeking permission to do and will be applying for football grant money to complete that.

John said: "We hire the club house out for things other than football and being able to provide hot meals will being in an extra revenue stream which will help.

"It is fair amount of money but we want to make sure we do it so it is top quality, with the highest hygiene standards with a top standard of hot food, catering for more people.

It is hoped to get the project completed by the next close season but uncertainty with supply issues could hamper progress.

On the pitch, John is delighted with the way manager Steve Holder has stepped up after taking over from Christian Appleford who left due to teaching commitments and promotion.

John said: "Steve is doing exceptionally well in his first foray into football management.

"Part of our reasoning was he knew the players, worked with them and he always knew the players Christian wanted to sign and was able to help bring them in."

John is not one of those chairmen that interfere with the managers tats or style of play, although knows what eh likes to see as a fan.

He said: "I like to see attacking football but the manager has to set up for each game accordingly. There are occasions when it is the best thing get nose sin front then defend."

Watching Hadleigh for so many years has meant many ups and downs on the pitch, and after a bit of push John admits 2014 stands out for him.

I have seen so many players I cut really pick anyone out," said John. "The squad that Louis Newman put together in 2014 won the Senior Cup which was a bit special.

"It was a great squad, they played for each other, went out together, stayed late in clubhouse, it was a memorable year for me."

The victory led to John keeping the trophy in hallway at home for couple of moths due to insurance reasons. He said: "We did publicity with it for few months and I kept it at home, then we gave it back to the county for safekeeping."

Another good moment for John was when Hadleigh's second string got to the Suffolk Senior Reserves cup at Portman Road but John appreciates repeating those feats will not be easy.

He said: "We are up against big clubs in Suffolk, so it would be difficult, But giant killing does happen so why not? Never say never." Hadleigh United are at home against Newmarket Town on Saturday (October 30) with a 3pm kick off at Millfield. You are all cordially invited to go and support your home town team. Hadleigh United website here.