It has been a difficult season on the pitch for Mersey Valley FC, but behind the scenes the club is already putting the building blocks in place for what it believes will be a bright and sustainable future.
While the first team remains focused on securing its place in League One following a challenging campaign, plans are well underway to reshape and strengthen the senior side of the club for the seasons ahead.
A New Structure for Senior Football
At the heart of those plans is the creation of a brand-new Senior Section, designed to oversee and develop both adult and youth football at Mersey Valley. The new structure will bring a clearer pathway for players progressing through the club and ensure the football operation continues to grow in a sustainable way.
Part of that vision includes the planned introduction of both a Reserve Team and an Under-18s side over the next 12 months, creating greater opportunities for player development and strengthening the club’s overall football structure.
A new committee will also be appointed in the coming months to help guide the section and support the club’s long-term ambitions.
The plans have been developed through close collaboration between interim Football Chairman Steven Worrall and first-team manager Jon Hudson, who together have been working to secure approval from the Sports Club and begin shaping the club’s next chapter.
Hudson Commits to the Future
Hudson has confirmed he will remain in charge for a fourth season, making him the longest-serving manager in the club’s history.
After what he describes as the toughest season of his 16-year coaching career, Hudson says he is delighted to continue the work of developing the club.
“Steve has been brilliant since he had to step in and take over,” Hudson said. “We’ve had many positive chats about the future and I am really looking forward to working with him.”
A Chairman’s Vision for the Club
Worrall, who becomes the fifth chairman in three difficult seasons, believes the plans now in place can provide the stability and structure the club has been striving for.
“As a football club, we are delighted that Jon is remaining with us for another season, and we are excited about the plans in place to take the club forward,” Worrall said.
“These include the development of a senior football section of the club, as well as the creation of a reserve team and an Under-18 side.
“This fits perfectly with our strategy of building strong foundations and growing from there. The club’s facilities are also continuing to develop, with the new pitches at our Westfield site opening soon. In addition, there will be significant investment this summer into our current pitches to make them even better.”
Worrall also highlighted the importance of the club’s junior structure, which continues to provide the foundation for future development.
“Our junior section is supported by a team dedicated to the club’s long-term vision, along with motivated coaches who inspire the footballers of tomorrow,” he added.
Exciting Developments Off the Pitch
Alongside the footballing plans, several off-field developments are helping to strengthen the club’s future.
The upcoming development of padel courts at the Sports Club is expected to attract new visitors and broaden the club’s sporting community.
“We are also excited about the development of the padel courts, which will benefit everyone currently connected with the club while also attracting new people to the sports club,” Worrall said.
Meanwhile, discussions are underway with SK Kits regarding a new kit and training wear partnership for next season, with hopes of establishing a long-term relationship.
The club also continues to maintain a strong working relationship with Salford City FC, whose Under-18 Academy side trains at Banky Lane during the week.
A New Digital Era
Another key step forward will see the club partner with Seventy5 Digital to develop a brand-new club website, bringing both the senior and junior sections together on a modern digital platform.
The new site will improve communication with players, supporters and the wider community while helping promote the club’s continued growth.
United in Moving Forward
For Hudson and Worrall, the immediate focus remains on navigating the closing stages of a demanding season, with a league restructure meaning six teams will be relegated from League One.
But both are clear that whatever happens on the pitch in the coming weeks will not derail the club’s wider ambitions.
“Although the club has gone through some turbulent times, Jon and I are united in our commitment to its development,” Worrall said.
“It is a club with outstanding potential, and by working together, we will help it become the strong and successful club that it should be.”
After a turbulent period, there is a growing sense around Mersey Valley FC that a new chapter is beginning, one built on stability, development and a shared belief in the club’s future. ⚽
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