Firstly, a massive thank you to everyone for continuing to show your support for the club.

It’s been a tough start to the campaign, with an astonishing number of injuries — currently 11. But, heading into an 11-day break before four consecutive home fixtures, we finally feel we have turned a corner.

Last night’s result and performance were exceptional. Huge praise to Lewis, Sam Hird, and all of the staff and players. It’s a game we would almost certainly have lost last year under these circumstances, yet last night we were completely dominant and hard-working.

Paired with Saturday’s performance and work rate, we are now starting to look like a really good side — but consistency will be the key. Maintaining the levels we have recently performed at, and with players coming back, will see us become a real threat this season and a genuine promotion challenger.

Welcome to our new players

I would like to welcome the many new players signed over recent weeks. They are real assets to the club, and I thank them for their efforts in difficult circumstances — barely any training sessions because of the fixture list and, in some cases, no training at all, just straight into matches.

That only underlines their commitment, and the excellent work Lewis, his staff and now Sam Hird are doing.

Lewis Duckmanton & Sam Hird

Last night was Lewis’s sixth game in charge. He has achieved four wins and two draws, scored 19 goals and progressed through two rounds of the FA Trophy.

Under the circumstances — players unavailable and new recruits coming in — that is a remarkable achievement.

Sam Hird has been assisting Lewis for the last two games and has massively helped improve performances, creating a clear work ethic and an out-of-possession mentality that lets our quality shine through.

People are saying we are managerless. We are not.

We have had strong leadership, which is why I have offered the position permanently to Lewis, assisted by Sam.

I echo Conor Washington’s recent comments: we are lucky to have them at our club given the experience they bring. I will be delighted if they accept the positions offered on a permanent basis.

And I refuse to mention Dec’s goal too much last night. The lad is top, but he already has a big enough head. So I’ll keep him grounded and say I think it was a fluke!

Other Club matters

A few other areas are also being addressed:

Hospitality Suite

The club’s former tea bar will be converted into a hospitality suite in due course to bring in extra revenue. This will help fund the 427 players we will employ and 26 managers over the next year.

(If you believe some of the nonsense reporting.)

A club shop will open soon, staffed only on match days. It will stock replica kits, tracksuits and other items.

Matchday Programmes

Matchday programmes have unfortunately been digitalised as we plug areas of the club that lose money.

The costs of preparation, printing, selling and collection are simply not viable when we sell only 20–30 per game and have minimum print runs.

I’m sorry this upsets a few people, but I cannot please everyone and have to do what is best for the club as a whole.

Food & Drink

I am delighted with our partners operating food and drink sales.

This has allowed the club to streamline and concentrate on what matters most — football.

Prices are in line with other clubs, there is a much wider choice, and service is quicker.

Ground Development

We are now close to submitting our pitch planning application.

Once permission is granted, we will implement the plans after the season ends and install an artificial pitch next summer.

We are also installing a new perimeter and pitch-side standing areas around all sides of the ground, including the cricket end.

Many other works and improvements will follow as we look to take the club forward.

Finally, a massive thank you to all of our volunteers who continue to help at the club.

There are too many wonderful people to name individually, but thank you, everyone.

Without you, this club would not be what it is — and that is something very special to us all.

Up the Gladiators!

David Hilton