United's CEO's notes from the Mansfield Town matchday magazine
Good afternoon and welcome to today’s game against Mansfield Town. After a frustrating run of recent results, I’d like to start by thanking our supporters who attend games both here at the Kassam and those who follow the team on the road. I have said time and time again that since our arrival at the club, both Darryl and I have been delighted by the support for the club.We are all disappointed at our current league position and frustrated by the results. However, I want to be very clear that everyone at the club understands both the position we are in and the challenges that lie ahead.
We have talked continually about how we would like to build sustainable success for the club over the long term – but in order to do that, we are fully aware that we must deal with the short term. Let’s be clear, we need an immediate turnaround in results. We have a 15-game season that lies ahead of us and with 45 points to play for, every person connected with the club needs to do their bit to drive the team forward to ensure we get the results we need.
I have spent the week talking this through with Michael and both the football and business staff within the club. We have to do everything we can to make a positive impact on both home and away performances. Rest assured, we will not leave any stone unturned in our attempts to improve results quickly.
Michael and the team are totally focused on what they need to deliver in the next 15 games, but again I would ask everyone not to underestimate how important it is to get behind the team and how vital it is to create that extra few percent of support.
In times of challenge and adversity, unity and support can be very powerful tools. I would ask every supporter to unify behind Michael and the team to create an atmosphere filled with passion and emotion – we must all stay together behind this common cause.
Off the pitch – the hard work from everyone at the club has not ceased. The appointment of a new Community Director and further development of our Charitable Trust is taking place. Following our first official Trustees meeting I’d like to formally welcome Niall McWilliams from The Oxford Academy, Rob Brighouse from Chiltern Railways, Councillor Ian Hudspeth from Oxfordshire County Council, Paul Charles from Isinglass Consultancy and United in Business, Kevin Smith (OUFC Director of Business Operations) along with existing Trustee Charlie Methven from Dragon Associates as this now forms our initial Board of Trustees.
Commercially – we are developing new projects within the football club, from ticketing to retail and commercial partnerships, we will shortly be in a position to start to talk in more depth about new ways and initiatives which we will be launching in these areas.
However, I want to reiterate, we fully understand that all of this comes second to the top priority of winning football matches and delivering success on the pitch.
I would like to finish by again thanking you, the supporters, for your continued support but would ask once again for you to get behind the team and give everything you have in showing your support.
Enjoy the game.
Kind regards,
Mark
#together