Welcome to the Abbey!
As you may have read in the local press - front page headlines permitting - or seen on the club website the club recently agreed a deal for the Abbey to revert to its traditional name, thanks to the kind support of Cambs Glass, part of Bloor International Enterprises and AstraZeneca who became our first ever Community Sponsors.
As custodians of the club, the board of directors are fully aware of the connection that fans feel for the ground and its heritage, and while keen to move forward with a home that is fit for the 21st century and beyond, we understand the importance of the Abbey to the local community.
The successful launch last week of Game Plan 2020, see article, reinforces our determination to expand our work in the community.
The BBC programme DIY SOS visited Simon Dobbin’s home recently to provide a thorough makeover. Obviously this is small comfort to Simon and his family, but it will help them cope better with day-to-day living and the hundreds of volunteers who offered their services. Unfortunately Simon has had a long spell in hospital and our thoughts are with him and hope that he can soon return home.
Family is obviously a major focus at this time of year – there’s nothing like a game of Monopoly on Christmas Day to cause WWIII – and the club and players will once again be doing our best to brighten the day of some of those who may not have much support this winter. We welcomed nearly 100 people to the Senior Christmas lunch last week, a great opportunity for the senior members of society to mix, chat and have a laugh, and it’s also nice for me to talk to people my own age!
Obviously, it is frustrating because if only we had picked up a few more points we would be in a play-off place in the league. We are still only three points away. You can be assured that everyone at the club, from top to bottom, is working hard to achieve our ambition to play at a higher level. Shaun and the players appreciate the positive support but, like me, are puzzled, by the negativity of a few during matches. Whilst we treasure stability, our ambitions have not changed and we are all fully aware of the importance of the upcoming matches over the Christmas period and the opportunity to strengthen the squad in the January transfer window.
We are committed as a club to listening to all our supporter’s views both positive and negative and to be as open and honest with all our stakeholders. It has been disappointing that Fans Forums arranged after two recent matches were only attended by about 15 supporters. All questions were answered honestly and in full and there will more opportunities in the New Year for supporters to talk to us face to face not just through social media.
As ever, we thank you for your support, especially those that have travelled long distances to away matches of late, and we look forward to this afternoon`s match.
Seasons greetings to you all.
Dave