NEW Burnham United chairman Matt Counsell says there is plenty of cause for optimism this season following a radical overhaul of the club during the summer, despite suffering two defeats on the opening weekend of the season.

Burnham United first team were beaten 3-0 by Glastonbury while the Reserves went down 7-2 to Nailsea Town. 

Counsell took over from Spencer Dibble in June and since his election has assembled a new committee to ensure the workload of the running of the club is shared which has had amazing results already. 

A further change also saw club president and stalwart Albert Laurence retire after 51 years of priceless service.

He said: “The summer has been great for Burnham United as due to the hard work of the new committee we have been able to get our house in order and really start afresh.

“We have introduced a new constitution, codes of conducts and other important policies to help us to continue as an FA Chartered Standard Club which was critical.”

And it's not just the committee that has seen change - in June, club members, supporters and junior representatives pulled together to refurbish their Cassis Close home, with new signage being put up, all unwanted junk cleared, and a redecoration of the bar, changing rooms, corridors and outside walls.

These improvements have also seen Wi-Fi installed for club members and new goalposts been fitted on the first team pitch.

Through the hard work of Sponsorship Manager Mike Stevens and his assistant Luc Walker, the club have been able to bring in close to £6,000 worth of sponsorship to the club - and Counsell is hugely grateful for the work that has been done.

He said: “The money has given the club a shot in the arm to enable the rebrand and take the club forward again. Our main sponsor, Fusion Leisure Club, have sponsored three new home strips, new tracksuits and polo shirts for all playing members so everyone in the club looks the same, which has created an excellent atmosphere at the club.”

In addition to Fusion, GAR Mobile Crushing has sponsored a new away kit - and the club have had various other sponsorships from local businesses, including L & H Plumbing, C & H Carpets, Rob the Boiler Man LTD, Burdens, Roberts Skip Hire, BJH Services, KMW Properties, KMW Buildings, Nigel Dorothy LTD, Quick Sign and Polo Essence Fitness & Fun