Welcome to the Coral Windows Stadium for the final home game of the 2009-10 season. We extend that welcome to the players, officials and supporters of Northampton Town who are our visitors here this afternoon.
Once again today at this stage of the season we find ourselves in the unfortunate position in which our opponents have far more riding on the game than ourselves, with Northampton currently sitting a point outside the play-off places. We wish them well - after today's game - in their efforts to secure promotion and let's hope that this time next year it is ourselves with something positive to play for.
Looking ahead, I am hopeful that by today's game Peter Taylor will have signed up to be our manager for next season. We strongly believe that Peter is the best man for the job and, at the time of writing (Wednesday), Mark and I have just had a very positive meeting with him. We are confident that the contract will be finalised imminently and that he can then begin the process of building a squad that is capable of challenging for promotion.
This season has been very disappointing from start to finish. However, a few highlights have emerged during the course of the campaign, in particular the performances of some of our younger players. No-one has impressed more than James Hanson who is to be congratulated on a fantastic first season in professional football, which culminated in him winning five honours - including the Play of the Year title - at Tuesday evening's awards.
Whilst we are all disappointed that, once again, the season hasn't worked out in the way we all would have hoped, the good thing about football is that the next season is never far away. Surely we can all look forward to the new campaign with renewed vigour and enthusiasm, with our new training facilities and pitch, an improved player budget and an experienced manager in charge. Next season has to be our year… doesn't it?!
As all supporters of this football club will be well aware, today marks the 25th anniversary of the Valley Parade fire disaster. Today our thoughts are with the victims of that tragic day and their families and I know you will join me in marking this sad occasion in the usual way.
Finally, on behalf of the board and everyone associated with the club, I would like to close by thanking you once again for your wonderful support throughout this season.
I look forward to seeing you all back here once again for the start of the new season in August.
Julian Rhodes
