Letter from the Brentford FC boardroom, 31st March 2007
Dear Supporters,
Firstly, I must apologise for my lack of communication to you recently. My work commitments have increased significantly of late and it really has been difficult to meet all my Club commitments. Unfortunately this coincided with another slump in form on the pitch and has increased the pressure off the field.
After today’s result at Gillingham we are effectively ten points from safety and our chances of survival slim. The board have not given up hope of staying up and we will encourage Scott Fitzgerald and the team to fight to the end. We are however realistic enough to be now planning for life in League 2. There is a board meeting this Thursday and there are some tough decisions to be made about next year’s budget.
There is recognition that the most critical aspect of planning for next season is getting the playing budget right. We have to maximise the money available for players to the manager without jeopardising the future of the football club. This is a difficult balance.
More than ever we need you and your support. Our main source of revenue is from matchday attendances. As a supporter I feel the same pain as you with both the disappointing performances and results on the pitch. It is understandable that regular supporters are missing matches and not planning on renewing season tickets, but for every 500 spectators we lose, £150,000 a year is also lost. The reality is that by not coming it makes it more difficult to sustain the Club and put money into the playing budget. At the same time the board together with the Managing Director has to deliver. You need to believe that we can respond in the right way to create the opportunity for success on the pitch.
The more of you who give up the less likely we are to succeed, whatever division we are in next season. This Thursday will be key in making the right decisions to give us a better future, not only in this coming season but also for years to come. I recognise the board need to give you a reason to believe things will be different next season. I’ll be working as hard as I can to ensure the right decisions are made and to give you confidence. Please will you do your bit in supporting the team through the rest of the season and the next?
Let's work together!
Jon Gosling
Comments can either be sent to me on or directly via comments page.
2nd April 2007