What happened at the Surgery?
On Saturday, 17 November I held a surgery for supporters on the Ealing Road Terrace. I met with five supporters. I would like to thank all those that came to meet me. The main topics that they raised were:
- When will there be any news on the progress of a new stadium at Lionel Road? Negotiations are continuing with a number of parties and we are close to making some substantial progress. It is anticipated that an update on progress will be made early in December 2007. I recognise that there is a great deal of frustration from supporters who, realising the importance of a new stadium to a sustainable future for the Club, are desperate to know what’s happening. The reality is that there is a high level of commercial confidentiality with all the parties involved that restricts the flow of information. All I can say is that we are moving forward and I think that the update in December will show just how much progress has been made.
- Why doesn’t the Club do more to promote itself with the growing local Polish community? Some promotional work has been done involving Ben Starosta (who is Polish Under 21 International). This work included Ben speaking on Polish local radio.
- If results have not improved by Christmas will the Board be looking for a new manager? I recognise that there is a growing frustration amongst supporters about team performance and results. I share that frustration, as does Terry Butcher himself, but as I stated in my previous surgery it has also been statistically proven that Clubs that stick with their managers are more likely to be successful than those who change them frequently. In the space of 12 months we have had four managers; Terry, being the latest of these, was appointed with the long-term in mind. The Club Board will be meeting Terry at our December board meeting on the 6th where we will formally review progress with him.
My next surgery will be in the Princess Royal before the home game with Grimsby Town on 8 December between 1.15 - 2.15 pm.
4th December 2007