What can one say about a season that sees us making not one, but two trips to the Wembley Stadium, the second of which resulted in a win against Millwall and promotion back to the Coca Cola Championship League.
The big danger we had faced after relegation in 2007/08,was a continuation of the fall, which was likely to be caused by any severe reduction in spending. Fortunately we were in a very healthy state financially and your Board took the view that any tightening of the belt would have to be done over a lengthy period, and very carefully managed, to avoid such a plight. Even so, we could not have foreseen such a momentous season and all the credit must go to Nigel and his management team and more especially to all the players who gave their all, to ensure that all important promotion. I believe we are now better equipped and much more experienced to make Championship football a continuing experience.
We continue to search for young talent and our present squad contains a number of players who will go on to play at a much higher level. In the meantime they will play an important role in our quest to remain in the Championship League. Post year end we brought Rob Jones to the club, to play alongside David Mirfin. He is proving to be another very valuable acquisition along with two more stars of the future in Michael O'Connor and Josh Wright.
At the start of the season Nigel set two main targets: win the Johnstone's Paint Trophy and get promoted. Well, I think he deserves a medal for taking us to the Final in the JPT even though we lost to Luton, and more importantly, winning promotion in such dramatic style in the Play-Off Final. We were most fortunate that the opposition for both games brought with them some massive support. Together the Wembley visits were worth over £0.5m to us, which has helped to reduce our loss for the year to a more manageable level of just over £1 million. Whilst this may seem excessive, it has to be remembered that the sale of Martin Paterson was brought into the previous year's accounts as the sale took place just days before the end of our accounting year.
Over the two year period we have produced a healthy profit and we have replaced Martin with an equally talented player in Gary Hooper, and many would rightly say, a player who contributes so much more to the team. Another promising youngster brought in, early in the season, was Martyn Woolford. He finished off an excellent first season in League football by scoring the winning goal in the Play-Off Final at Wembley.
Post year end, I think we would all say, we are delighted with the season to date. Despite a very disappointing result at Peterborough, we have just enjoyed two unbelievable performances at home to Sheffield United and Newcastle United. The stadium almost full to capacity twice in less than four days, when once in a season has been a rarity in the past. To sit in the League between the two Sheffield clubs with Southampton, Norwich, Charlton and Leeds in a league below us, and with a 4th Round League Cup game at Manchester City to look forward to on Wednesday, is something everyone connected with, or supporting our club, can be justly proud. Long may it continue.
Once again I would like to thank our Club Sponsors, RAINHAM STEEL, who have now increased their Sponsorship to include the Home Stand, and extended the term for a further three years. To all the companies and individuals who have supported us over the 2008/9 season, a very big thank you for your contribution to the financial well being of our club.
To all our supporters, thank you for remaining loyal despite our relegation. I am sure you will have enjoyed the season and the two Wembley visits. I know many of you will be sorry to lose the Home terrace but it is a small price to pay for being where
we believe we have a right to be!
I am hopeful that the long awaited lift will be in operation by the time of this year's AGM. The long delay has been caused by the difficulty to find a suitable location. Our first plans were to position the lift with access to the Executive Bar, this would have obvious problems when the room was in use. We then considered access via the restaurant, which far from ideal, was slightly less of a problem. We then found that by relocating other facilities we could place the lift at the main entrance, which although much more costly, I personally believe, is the almost ideal solution.
Since the Year End I am very pleased to report that Caroline Blanchard has joined our management team. Caroline is responsible for all our 'Hospitality and Catering'. We are determined to improve the 'Match Day Experience'. Caroline, with the full support of her staff, has already begun to make a huge difference in what is proving to be a very busy and hectic season.
In such a good season it is all too easy to forget the hard work that goes into running a football club. This is an opportunity for me to thank Jamie Hammond our General Manager who has overall responsibility for the day to day running of our club, David Beeby who was appointed Company Secretary during the year, Michelle Harness who has continued to progress our commercial department and is now joined by an assistant, Louise Atkinson, and Chris Mumby for producing such an excellent, award winning, Match Day programme throughout the season. After further investment in a completely re-seeded pitch, in May 2008 Graham Colby and the groundstaff are to be congratulated on producing such a good playing surface, week after week throughout the entire season. This is essential if we are to play the attractive passing game with the ball on the floor, so much the hallmark of Nigel's management. They also now look after the four training pitches at Gunness and three at the St. Lawrence Academy. Without exception, I would like to thank everyone throughout the club, for their hard work and endeavour. A successful club needs us all to work for one common aim and to enjoy being part of the team. I know this is Nigel's philosophy and it has long been the philosophy of this football club.
Thank you also to my fellow directors who have been so supportive and continue to work tirelessly for the well being of our football club. Keith Wagstaff and Jason Oxenforth take on the added responsibility of the Youth and School of Excellence where a lot of changes have been taking place. Keith will no doubt elaborate more on this in his report. It is disappointing to have to report the resignation of Simon Elliott after five and a half years on the Board. Simon remains a close friend and one of our most ardent fans, but family commitments, a heavy work load and living so far from Scunthorpe, meant something had to give. Unfortunately for us it was football.
To all our staff without exception, in the office, the restaurant and catering staff, the ground staff and stewards, who all play such an important part within our club, may I once again thank you all most sincerely for all your hard work and endeavour throughout a quite amazing season.
Steve Wharton
Chairman
30 October 2009
