A bright future ahead as Westbury United punch above their weight

With recent Westbury United games falling foul of the weather, White Horse News talks to club chairman Phil Hampson

Chairman of Westbury United Football Club, Phil Hampson, has been at the helm for a year now. White Horse News caught up with him to talk about his first year in charge, the season so far and his hopes for the future…

“We had a few troubles in the past, but I’m over the moon with how things are going now,” he said. “The club has faced significant financial struggles, requiring a complete restructuring to ensure long-term sustainability, and it’s by no means a finished project. We’ve had to change a lot of things so we can compete with clubs with far bigger budgets. But things are very much on the up.”

Despite the difficulties, Phil is optimistic. “It’s been just a year since we’ve been at the helm, and considering the redevelopment at the ground, building up the youth system, and taking on the youth pitches, it’s been challenging, but we’re getting there. You can’t just throw money at a football club. I want to build a proper, well-organised club with a bright future. That’s my vision.”

One of the standout achievements has been the performance of the first team this season, who have excelled despite a significantly reduced player budget. Phil was full of praise for the management and players. “The managers and first-team staff deserve massive credit. They’ve rejuvenated the squad, bringing in players who truly want to play for Westbury. These players are running through brick walls for the club and doing amazing things. It’s refreshing to see that in football nowadays.

“On the pitch, things are ridiculously good; we really are punching above our weight. I’m so proud of the boys. We’ve won more points already this season than we did for the whole of last season, which is incredible. We’re looking up, not over our shoulders and if things go our way, we could even push for the play-offs.

“It’s a joy to watch the players give everything for the shirt,” Phil added. “Even when results don’t go our way, the performances have been outstanding. We’re a very difficult team to play against; even against top of the table Yate in November, we could easily have got a point or even more, despite playing 40+ minutes with ten men; only going down 1-0 to a late goal.”

Phil’s vision extends beyond immediate results. His goal is to establish Westbury United as a mainstay in the Southern League. “We need better facilities to thrive at this level, and we’re working hard behind the scenes to make that happen. We shouldn’t really be in the Southern League with the facilities we have, but we’re making big strides and hopefully we’re going to continue to move forward.”

The club’s progress has been bolstered by the unwavering support of its fans. “We’ve got the best fans in the area,” said Phil. “The atmosphere at the club is fantastic. It’s brilliant to see so many young lads coming along, cheering behind the goal. The players love it, and it’s having a huge impact on performances.”

One of Phil’s early initiatives was to introduce free entry for children, a move aimed at fostering a new generation of fans. “We want as many people as possible to feel part of the club, and it’s starting to pay off,” he said.

“It’s a great atmosphere at the club. It feels like a proper football club, a proper community club now. ­­I’m really, really positive for the future.”

Cover Picture: Club chairman Phil Hampson playing for Westbury Utd Veterans

Pictured below: United’s young fans who are having a ‘huge impact on performances’. Pictures by Martin Pearce