Good afternoon and a warm welcome to the Coral Windows Stadium at Valley Parade to all players, directors, staff and supporters of Aldershot Town AFC on their long trip up from Hampshire.They will be looking to erase the memory of their 5-0 'drubbing' here last year.Based on their league performances to date and our unspectacular home form throughout, they may have some grounds for confidence!With perhaps a little more consistency away from the recreation ground, a play off spot may not be beyond them!There are a number of teams vying for that coveted 7th play off spot all attributed with similar characteristics of recent entry to the league and extremely modest player budgets.The irony is not lost when applied to ourselves.
The 'squaddies' are now in their second season back in the football league after their sad decline and demise back in the early nineties.I find it extremely encouraging that towns and cities throughout the country no matter how hard their 'fall from grace' still cherish the desire to reinstate their club back amongst the footballing elite!Through so much dedication, not a little personal monies and genuine hard work these small groups of enthusiasts devote their time and energies to re-establishing the Aldershot Towns, Burton Albions and Accrington Stanleys.Beavering away in the Blue square and Unibond leagues are former league clubs Barrow, Southport, Gateshead and even our dear own Bradford Park Avenue all hoping one day for a return to the promised land.What price New Brighton, Nelson and Glossop North End emerging from the 'mists of time'?
Avoiding indulgent sentimentality and on a contemporaneous note, we (at the time of writing) are 5 matches into the Peter Taylor era and what a cathartic experience it has been!Outstanding results at Rochdale and Rotherham coupled with an influx of players not seen since balmier days.The squad is hardly recognisable if only by its metamorphosis to 'giants status'. 'Bantams' is probably a misnomer, 'Roosters' would be more appropriate!
I guess that is the measure of a manager who emphasizes the importance of defensive parsimony and 'set play' goals.Ten wins should see us in the play offs for those optimists amongst us, but for the other (majority) a good end to the season would be most welcome and form a firm foundation for the ensuing year.
Finally, I could not end without a reference to Stuart McCall whom, to most of us will remain, forever a Bradford City legend.It says a great deal about the integrity of the man, by his restrained and dignified departure.We wish him well!
Enjoy the game!
Alan Biggin FCA
Director and Company Secretary
