Firstly, I’d like to thank all of you who travelled to the edge of the country in support of the squad on Saturday. The dedication shown by our supporters is fantastic and is hugely appreciated.
The first game of our season was, to be quite honest, unacceptable. It’s obvious that transitioning from pre-season, particularly with so many new players, is always going to be tough when things get serious. Myself, the manager and staff, along with the entire playing squad, were as upset as our supporters with the performance, and we are confident that our levels will not drop to this again.
As a chairman, in those circumstances, all you can hope for is a reaction and game-by-game improvements, which we have absolutely witnessed.
Our squad is now close to completion, with two further additions signed today. People talk regularly about our failure last season and how we shouldn’t have failed, but it is only a failure if we fail to learn from it. There are some very well-organised teams at this level, and it’s tough. But we did learn.
Our recruitment this summer has focused on where we felt we fell short last season. We have quite clearly created a more physical squad, with the capability to play various styles. Whilst physicality was a clear requirement, we have not wavered on the technical ability of the players. Be under no illusions – the lads can play, and have all done so at much higher levels.
Game management, set pieces, and the ability to have a Plan B and Plan C are all key parts of ensuring we are effective this season.
I would like to thank Ricky and his team for stepping up and working as hard as they do. This includes Lewis, who has worked alongside managers within the EFL, bringing vital information together to help ensure we plan and execute correctly.
I can confirm that Joe Leesley is no longer with the club. He has also, unfortunately, decided to hang up his boots and concentrate on the next stage of his career. We wish him well with whatever he does next.
Ryan McLean going out on loan was a decision made collectively by the club’s management, myself, the player and his agent. We felt that this was the correct decision in order to bring somebody in who is used to the level and the northern aspects. Ryan is still our player, and we hope to see him back with us if and when the time is right for all parties.
I can confirm that Bach is having a scan tomorrow, but we hope this is something relatively minor. Our keeper Marcus is fine but will continue to wear his new hat, and Dec was taken off as a precaution on Saturday.
Pierce Bird has had a slight meniscus operation, and we expect to see him return in 6–8 weeks. We are waiting on scan results for Tom Senior to understand the grade of his hamstring injury.
I would also like to say how sorry I am for Dean Gardner, who looks an unbelievable prospect, and wish him a speedy recovery. Thank you to Rotherham United for all their support with Dean’s loan.
I would also like to welcome Charlie, Manassé and Zak to the club. We’re delighted to have them with us and look forward to seeing what they can bring to the squad.
Thanks again to all our supporters and sponsors. Rest assured that, despite getting things wrong at times, we do listen, and we all want what is best for the club.
The future is exciting.
