FROM THE BOARD
M A N AG IN G D I R EC TOR
GARRY PLANT
THE LAST HOME MATCH of our first EFL campaign, it has been quite a season and has actually felt like two seasons all wrapped together. The torment of not knowing if we would be promoted through the first lockdown, the play off semi, Wembley final and then our first match against Southend. Seeing the 3G pitch torn up was a definition of mixed feelings, the elation of promotion and sadness of losing a great community facility. The grass pitch has stood up well despite a limited growing period and we will be carrying out further extensive works during the summer in preparation for next season. It has been a most bizarre week. In a season where supporters have been prevented from attending grounds the owners of clubs higher in the pyramid endeavoured to take football away to another stage. The re-vamp of the Champions League proposed by UEFA is not exactly a bed of roses for football either and if it goes forward it will have an adverse knock on affect for EFL clubs. The ESL debacle has cloaked UEFA’s plans which will unfold going forward.
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In summary it was supporters, players and the football family that derailed ESL, will that unity shift how football is structured in the future? After the final whistle today we turn our attention to the Trophy Final and a second win at Wembley as we work to keep the momentum going. As you are probably aware there was a lot of work taking place in the background to press the FA to switch the date so fans could attend or to use the match as a test event. Unfortunately, the match will be behind closed doors and we are further bound by the EFL Social Media Blackout. Our media team are working hard to bring Wembley to life for the club’s supporters through youtube, our home page and the match will be live on BT Sport. Thank you for your support throughout what has been a most surreal season. We are working hard preparing for a return of supporters and we cannot wait to see the terraces full and the noise of football at The Envirovent Stadium.
Garry