A note from the Chairman

Work is continuing extensively behind the scenes by everybody to try and get several more players on board before the start of the season.

As the manager has already stated, our aim is to make sure we have cover in every position but also that extra quality and having greater tactical flexibility to master a number of systems.

We are all focused on getting a good squad together that will hopefully stand us in good stead for the forthcoming season in the Sky Bet Championship and I think Phil's recent comments have clearly indicated the hard work that is going on at the training ground and the thinking and logic behind the team selections in the recent friendly matches.

Elsewhere around the club, we were delighted to be able to announce our charity partners for the coming season this morning, details of which can be found here.

All five organisations are extremely worthwhile causes and I look forward to seeing them benefit from our support during the next year.

I feel it important meanwhile to clarify our position on the departure of Shaun McHugh who was Head of Finance and the reference to three members of staff in that position as having left in the past 12 months.

The facts are that Anthony Massey, who was in position prior to the takeover, made it clear at the time of Dean and I acquiring the club that he would be resigning.

Anthony stayed on for longer than his period of notice and as far as I am aware, he left on good terms. Indeed, he has been of assistance to us on a number of matters and attended a number of matches last season.

We were all very disappointed when John Pelling left but his reasons for doing so were completely understandable, in that he left to join a Premier League club with the obvious benefits and it also being closer to home.

Again, John left on very good terms and is in regular contact with the club and has helped us out on a number of issues.

As regards to Shaun McHugh, it was our decision not to continue his employment at the end of his probationary period. We all wish Shaun the best in his future employment and are thankful for the work he did whilst with us.

I have made it very clear on a number of occasions that the legacy we inherited was always going to make things very difficult both financially and on the pitch, and that as they say, 'Rome wasn't built in a day'.

But against all expectations, we are making progress and despite all the obstacles along the way, we achieved our main aim of returning to the Championship at our first attempt.

We are still working on improving our finances and are slowly making progress.

Yes, for sure, there will be problems along the way and the last few months were always going to be the most challenging and a stern test, as they are for many clubs at this time of the year, with little or no income and large end of season expenses, but l truly believe that we are gradually improving the club's situation.

I hope to see as many of you as possible at our pre-season friendly against Stoke City on Saturday 29 July at Macron Stadium. Tickets are currently on sale and can be bought on line by clicking here.

The brand new shirts are also now available to pre-order as are the stylish new training wear range which I'm sure will prove to be very popular among our supporters.

Please continue to support the club by wearing your colours both home and away. Visit www.bwfcdirect.co.uk for more information.

Kind regards

Ken

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