Hello everyone,
I would like to start by wishing Teddy Sheringham all the very best of luck in his new role as manager of Stevenage, which he will take up later this summer.
We appointed Teddy as our new attacking coach last summer with a view to improving our forward play, and I must say he took to the part-time role with real enthusiasm and commitment.
With the likes of Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia joining us and working regularly with a man of Teddy’s calibre, we know he will have helped improve their game.
While we are disappointed to be losing Teddy’s services, we are happy to have played a part in developing his coaching skills and will be watching closely as he embarks on his managerial career at Stevenage.
As I wrote jointly with David Gold in our programme column for the disappointing defeat by Everton at the weekend, we have not hit the heights we managed over the first half of the campaign since Christmas, but we have one final opportunity to impress when we got to Newcastle United this weekend.
Our opponents are in a difficult position and will undoubtedly be doing everything they can to get themselves out of danger, but we have to seize on any weaknesses or nervousness in their play and finish the season on a winning note.
Yet again, we will be followed by more than 3,000 fans and, on behalf of the Board, I would like to take one last opportunity to thank you for your loyal, passionate and unwavering support throughout the 2014/15 campaign.
We have had some tough times since Christmas but, for every home match and wherever we have travelled, you have been there in your thousands, cheering the team on.
This week, the first of our valued Season Ticket Holders have begun attending appointments at our fabulous Reservation Centre in Stratford, picking their seats at the new Stadium.
The feedback we have received from those who have already chosen their seats has been overwhelmingly positive. The staff at the Reservation Centre are knowledgeable and professional, while the graphics and videos available to help fans make their minds up are truly special.
We are looking forward to meeting as many of our Season Ticket Holders as possible, alongside the two additional friends and family members each of you can bring along to your appointment, and encourage you to group together to make the most of your matchday experience at our exceptional new home.
Before we move to the new Stadium, we first have our Final Season at the Boleyn Ground to enjoy, including what we hope will be an exciting European campaign.
We go to St James’ Park knowing we are in with a good chance of finishing top of the Premier League Fair Play League. If we things go our way, we could well have UEFA Europa League football to look forward to.
European football will mean an early start to the new season, but we will be prepared and what better way to say goodbye to our historic home?
All that remains for me to say is to wish all those travelling to Newcastle this weekend a safe and enjoyable trip.
Let’s finish the season with a win.
Come on you Irons!
David Sullivan
Joint-Chairman