A note from the Chairman

Chairman Ken Anderson addresses the club's supporters in his latest programme column

Firstly, I would also like to extend my deepest sympathies to the friends and family of one of our employees Brian Ward who passed away unexpectedly last week. 

Brian had been associated with Bolton Wanderers for nearly 20 years and will be sorely missed by all here at the club.

On the field however and as we head towards the midway point of the campaign, we could not be much happier with happenings out there on the pitch.

The Sheffield United game meanwhile last weekend was a perfect example of where we find ourselves right now. It was always going to be a tough fixture for the players, given United’s own form of late, but I was very pleased with the way that the players acquitted themselves in the game.

We were then all thrilled to see us pitted against a Premier League side on our own soil in the third round. It will be a great opportunity for Phil Parkinson and the team to show exactly what this team is capable of and I look forward to what should be an exciting encounter.

We were hoping to see more fans here for the cup game against Sheffield United, but I do understand that it is a difficult time for many people financially heading towards the Christmas period.

With that in mind, we hope that many of you have taken up the option of our Festive Fiver offer for tonight’s game against Gillingham.

As I have said before, we want to make football accessible to everyone and I hope that you can all see that in our prices for half season tickets which start at £160 for adults and £50 for Under-18s. 

This will always remain the most cost-effective way of watching Wanderers and would be a great Christmas gift for the last 12 games of the season.

With competitive games coming thick and fast over the festive period, now is the perfect opportunity to come aboard for the second half of the campaign and I look forward to seeing more of you here in the New Year.

I’d also like to congratulate Mark Beevers on his recent Sky Bet League One Player of the Month nomination. He has been consistent with his performances since his arrival and I am pleased that people outside of the football club are recognising his efforts.

There seems to be a great deal of media speculation and radio interviews taking place at the moment where the comments being aired are all very wide of the mark. 
 
I find it very disappointing that people who should know better are making speculative and misinformed comments and allegations.

At no time have I ever given Dean Holdsworth an ultimatum that unless he sells me his shares, that I would put the club and associated businesses into administration. 

What I actually asked Dean was if he would fund the business going forward pro rata to our shareholdings with me, but unfortunately he declined to do so. 
 
I am fully aware that there is a great deal of other information that you would like to know now, including an update on the late filing of the accounts, the transfer embargo and my personal background, which I will aim to be able to share with you all at the Q&A meeting tomorrow evening.

I hope to see as many of you there as possible from 7pm until 8pm in the Platinum Suite.

Finally, it was fantastic to see a record attendance present at the club’s Carol Service last Monday evening. Phil Mason and his team from the Community Trust did a superb job in organising the event, as they do with all of their other exploits, and their efforts are very much appreciated.

It was the perfect start to the festive season and sets us all up nicely as we head towards the big day itself.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and I look forward to seeing you all on Boxing Day.

Kind regards,

Ken
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