Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, and welcome back to Priestfield for the first of three important League games over the Christmas period, all taking place against teams at the wrong end of the league table and thus perhaps having even greater significance as we battle in the face of adversity against some extraordinary bad luck and unusual circumstances, the likes of which I have never experienced in my time as Chairman.
You could be forgiven for a double take on Saturday's line up at Huddersfield with Josh Gowling missing through suspension, Simon Royce missing as a result of a car accident and sadly Curtis Weston unable to travel due to a family bereavement. I know you would all join me in wishing Curtis and his family our deepest sympathy.
Add to that the injuries to key players such as Simon King, Febien Brandy, Garry Richards and of course Danny Jackman, and the difficulties Mark faces in trying to build a team with consistency become apparent. You could also add Scott Vernon to the pack, an exciting prospect we took on loan but who sustained a serious injury after just 41 minutes, and the picture becomes even more transparent.
I mention this because I was immensely proud at the way the team went about its business last Saturday, and although the result didn't go our way, it's fair to say our performance against a team that has had serious money spent on it this season was more than encouraging.I fully realise we are only one of three teams in the Football League not to have recorded an away win in this current campaign, but I know that win is close and hopefully we will go into the new year having broken that duck.
It will also be exciting to go into the New Year still in the FA Cup and although no one will underestimate how tricky a contest we face at Accrington Stanley, we have the ability, character and desire within the squad to turn in a good performance and hopefully we'll be in the draw for the 4th round.
I was in Scotland on route from the Airport to a meeting with the Bank when the draw was made, and if anything was testimony to our run of misfortune thus far this season, then surely to be so close yet so far to a draw with Man Utd has to take top drawer.
My view with it all, however, is that when so many things go against you, when all your best laid plans are shattered, when all your efforts go unrewarded….. It's time to give up, no I'm only joking, it's a great test of the inner strength of the Club and indeed the people that work within that Club and those that turn up week in week out and support that Club. Our fortunes will change, I use the word fortunes because I don't believe in luck, and when they do we'll really push on, both on and off the field.
On other matters I'm delighted that we are able to launch our new two hour DVD today. Priced at £15.00 it's based on our end of season trip to Wembley including the build-up, training camp and team hotel pre the game. I've seen much of the behind the scenes action and I can guarantee this is a video not to be missed.
We have produced just 2000 copies and we expect these to sell really well and quickly. As a special 2009 package we are selling the DVD and a copy of our new book 'Back with a Vengeance' for the knockdown price of £30.00, (retail price £37.50) so get your Xmas reading and viewing quickly, while stocks last.Those that purchased the book on the special pre launch deal can pick up a copy of the DVD for £10.00 from the shop, subject to proof of id.
Finally with Christmas just a week away, we should take time to consider just how fortunate we all are generally. The father of two of the children in my daughter's school in Dubai was killed last week in the Dubai Classic World Speedboat Championship. Apparently he was piloting his craft at some 200kph when he and his co pilot (who was also killed) hit a freak wave and died when their boat upturned at great speed.
What we all try and achieve is important, but there are more important things in life. Today we all want one result and with your support that can be achieved. Get behind the boys as you always do and let's make Priestfield rock. Have a great Christmas and a prosperous new year
Up the Gills
Paul D.P. Scally
Chairman
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