Firstly, I am sure, like myself, you have all enjoyed the past week following on from our victory over Sheffield Wednesday last Saturday.
I think it was one of, if not the, best performance and team effort since I have been at the club and fully justified my continued belief and support of this group of players.
We were long overdue a win based on our recent performances and over the course of the last few games the improvement, effort, spirit, character and camaraderie amongst the players was clear to see.
In the meantime it has to be business as usual on and off the pitch and the key target financially now has to be controlling costs and bringing in additional revenues through increased attendances at the games, increasing corporate revenues and sponsorship and l urge everyone to help in these challenges and speak to friends and colleagues to come along and support the club and help take it to the next level.
We will be looking to add a handful of players in the January window and we are already having talks with agents about top players in the Premier League and Championship who are not getting regular games but who could strengthen the squad and help us climb up the table.
You may also have read a story regarding talks with two credible buyers earlier this week. I would like to stress that my aim is not necessarily to sell the club, but to bring new investment in.
However, if someone was to come in and wanted control and could show they had the wherefore to fund taking the club to the next level, then l would consider it as this club should be up there with the big clubs with sell out matches and competing at the very top level.
That is what l am now focusing on and hopefully it will be my legacy in the future.
Back on the pitch, it has also been apparent that the players have fully backed and given their all for the manager and you, our loyal and enthusiastic supporters. I thought your backing last Saturday was nothing short of terrific, as it always is, and how you all quietened down almost 5,000 travelling supporters was magnificent to witness.
It is important that you continue to be loud and supportive and drive the team on going forward to help us climb the table. I can assure you that this played a significant part in lifting and driving the players on, particularly in those last agonising minutes of additional time when it was very much all hands to the pump.
Come the final whistle, the feeling of delight and relief around Macron Stadium was palpable for all to see and long may it continue.
There is no room for complacency however. Now the team have that first league victory of the season under their belts, it is imperative that we all pull together collectively as we look to pull ourselves out of the Sky Bet Championship’s bottom three.
Momentum is key in football and I know that the players have been back on the training ground this week, working harder than ever to ensure that they follow up what was a hard-earned victory last weekend come full-time on Saturday.
Queens Park Rangers arrive at Macron Stadium this weekend having enjoyed a solid, if not spectacular, start to their own league campaign, with 14 points taken from their opening 12 fixtures.
I have known their manager Ian Holloway for many years - he is extremely experienced and it will be a far from easy encounter against his QPR side this weekend.
I am sure our players will show the same fighting spirit as last Saturday - where their whole-hearted desire to pick up all three points could be seen in every tackle, block, clearance and shot - and I am confident we can build on that result.
I am sure you will all join me in congratulating both David Wheater and Phil Parkinson on being shortlisted in their respective categories at the North West Football Awards, while the Bolton Wanderers Community Trust have also been nominated for an accolade.
The winners of the awards will be announced at a special event on November 13, with all at Bolton Wanderers crossing their fingers that we will be bringing home some silverware that night.
I’d like to also take this opportunity to remind you of the club’s half-term football courses which will take place this coming week at our Lostock training base.
Places are still available, with the cost being just £15 a day or £50 for the whole week. For more information, please call the Bolton Wanderers Community Trust on 01204 673 790 or visit www.bwct.org.uk.
Finally, I hope to see as many of you as possible down at Bolton Central on Monday for our first team squad signing session which will be held from 1.45pm until 2.30pm.
As usual let’s be loud, let’s be proud and let’s get behind the team this weekend.
Kind regards,
Ken
The Chairman's notes are taken from the latest edition of The Wanderer. With Wanderers hosting Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, make sure you pick up your copy! On sale for just £3.00 inside and outside Macron Stadium this Saturday.