Thank you!
An end of season message from the Chairman

Now the season has drawn to a close I would like to thank all of our fans who have turned out to support the team throughout the year.

This staunch support in the face of disappointing results has contributed to an average gate of nearly 5,700. This is 20% up on last season which was itself swelled by the end of era celebrations and strong league finish. It is particularly heartening to note that the attendance is nearly two and a half times that of a decade ago and is one of a number of examples of the new stadium delivering its promise.

While our crowds put us in the League's top four, only first place would do for our programme and groundsmanship, with both picking up the top awards in recent weeks. We were also among a handful of clubs gaining very high marks for our approach to families and young supporters, merchandise sales have reached record levels and even the buffet pies have received accolades! Thousands of people who have never previously been near a football stadium have also been enjoying excellent food and events at ours as Miguel and his team have made tremendous progress in building our seven day a week trading operations

For every one of these public achievements I'm pleased to tell you that there are many more behind the scenes as the Club continues to build for the future. Indeed, this momentum is growing now that we are beyond the initial move and consolidation phase that consumed so many man hours until the turn of the year.

All of this means that we have a level of strength, stability and potential that is the envy of many other clubs throughout the Football League. This gives me great confidence for the future and also a sense of satisfaction that all the trials and tribulations of getting the stadium built were worthwhile.

Inevitably, such good progress off the pitch has made events on it an even more bitter pill to swallow. We came into this season with a manager who had just taken us to Wembley, a record playing and transfer budget and high expectations. The friendlies, Carling Cup and early League matches then did little to dampen enthusiasm as we played attractive football and the ball seemed to glide effortlessly across our excellent playing surface. League relegation dog fights were surely consigned to our history.

The disappointments that followed, especially since Christmas, are well chronicled. It has been a difficult season to be a fan and I am grateful to the large numbers of supporters who have continued to cheer on the team.

Such support in difficult times again underlines the huge potential of this Club for the future. We must now focus firmly on this and look ahead to better times. Paul Simpson has taken up the reigns and will, of course, have my full support in doing all that is necessary to get us into a division that befits our facilities, support and ambitions.

Thank you again for your loyalty this season. My sincere wish is that it will be repaid next season by us all enjoying some great football moments together.

Roland Wycherley
Chairman