Reports of Radstock's demise have been greatly exagerated

On June 2nd 1897, the New York Journal reported American author, Mark Twain’s reaction to reports of his death. Reflecting on the illness of his cousin, Twain said: “The report of my illness grew out of his illness; the report of my death was an exaggeration.” For the sake of brevity, this famous statement is often misquoted, but the sentiment is one that Radstock Town supporters can well relate to.

November has been a difficult month for the Miners, with six consecutive defeats on the pitch, whilst off the pitch, the club parted company with their second Manager this season. Financial pressures prompted the suspension of the club’s playing budget – the expenses players are paid for attending training and matches. Two heavy defeats at the hands of Bristol Manor Farm and Gillingham, followed by a partial player walk-out and Radstock were put in the unenviable position of being unable to field a side for their league fixture against Ilfracombe Town on November 30th.

 
If a week is a long time in politics, it must have felt like an eternity for the volunteers charged with stewarding Radstock Town through these troubled times. With speculation rife on social media that the club was about to fold, last Saturday’s home game against Slimbridge became a ‘Rubicon’ moment in Radstock’s season. Bereft of a Manager and a recognisable playing squad, failure to complete the fixture would result in financial penalties the club could ill-afford, not to mention invoking the ire of a Western League already ill at ease with a Premier Division club unable to meet its commitments.

On Saturday, 7th December, Radstock Town entertained Slimbridge AFC at Southfields Recreation Ground, winning 2–1. 1–0 down at half-time, the Miners’ faithful could have been forgiven for fearing the worst, yet two goals in the second half, not to mention a missed penalty, saw Radstock record their first league win since October 12th.

Three points wasn’t the only good news to come out of Southfields on Saturday. Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Totemic central defender, Lloyd Edgell, has been unveiled as First Team Manager, with immediate effect. A former soldier and army boxing champion, Lloyd is not a man to shy away from a challenge, yet he will be under no illusions as to the size of the task ahead. Radstock travel to Bishop Sutton on December 14th for a relegation six pointer and with the festive period fast approaching, the coming months will be crucial in securing the club’s Premier Division survival.

What does the future hold for Radstock Town Football Club? We cannot say for certain, but what we can say with confidence is that reports of the club’s demise have been greatly exaggerated.

This article was written for the Midsomer Norton, Radstock & District Journal, on behalf of Radstock Town Football Club.