I Know, I Know, so don't please go checking your chinese calenders and writing in. In fact if I had written this segment 2 months ago when it was supposed to be written then my title might have been a tad premature but I can announce to those that have might been hidden in a Mongolian cave the past 3 weeks and not know that we are in Division 1 for the 2009 season.
Why would the glorious league and cup holders of the Conference league not be promoted instantly I hear you ask? Well to quote Lou from Little Britain, "There was a bit of a kerfuffle" at Football NSW. But after endless barracking and some pressure applied by the Italians (as they only know how) they saw the error in their ways and we now find ourselves in new territory in the form of the highest league Balmain F.C has ever played in (and we still have never payed a player!!).
The season brings some new and exciting changes including us moving to Lambert park which I'm hoping to rename "The Tigerium" (just kidding Mr Raciti sir). On the subject of Tony Raciti who you may all know as Mr Leichhardt Tigers, there has to be a heartfelt thank you for so kindly offering Lambert to us in our hour of need and we look forward to a healthy and successful partnership with you.
While I'm thanking people I think Daniel Pace and Johnny B deserve a mention with them being instrumental in the decision being reversed to play in Div 1, this club is very much appreciative of your efforts boys.
2008 was an incredible year with one of the most dedicated bunch of players this club has ever had and we are under no illusion that we are going to have to better that effort to continue our success. We will hit the ground running starting the 15th of January with venue to be confirmed so if you're serious about playing for this club then be fit both mentally and physically because as I like to say before every game, "This Club is my Life. Make it yours for the next 90 minutes!"
Dave Grill
Club President
P.S. Did I mention that our pocket rocket John Buonavoglia won the 2008 Best Player award for Conference League in 2008? The award is voted for by the coaches of the teams in the league after each match. It is the first time a Balmain player has won such an award, and anyone who saw him play last season would agree that it was well deserved as he is still a class above most players in the league. Congratulations John.
