Today we extend a warm welcome our neighbours Lincoln City. Lincoln have enjoyed two very successful seasons under Keith Alexander and I am sure everyone is delighted to see Keith fit and well again after his serious illness last season. It has to be said that we have not performed well in this local derby in recent years but today I feel confident we will give a good account of ourselves.
After the turbulent end to last season, the pre-season, followed by our first three games, has been a dream start. 7 points out of 9, and really unlucky not to be 9 out of 9, is more than we could have expected with only one of the games at home. Brian, Russ, Peter, Nigel, and especially all the players are to be congratulated on their preparation and commitment at the start of the new season. Paul Wilson and Paul Longdon will again have an important part to play this season. Already Marcus Williams has been on the bench, he is a really exciting prospect for the future, as is Russell Penn, and I am sure there will be others coming through the Youth Scheme. Now we have to build on a great start, to make sure we are challenging for promotion in 6 months time.
Our supporters have their part to play, home and away, so please be as vocal as possible, and we will do all we can to draw in the crowds and create a good atmosphere. The new Supporter's Club is up and running with a very energetic and enthusiastic new Chairman, Andy Brown. Please give him all the support you can to make sure this is a successful and long lasting, professional, supporter's club.
On the Administration side, I welcome Jamie Hammond as our new General Manager. Jamie is young, ambitious, dynamic, very experienced in dealing with the public as well as being a great lover of football. This has brought a breath of fresh air and new thinking into the club and bodes well for our future. Customer, (fans), relations are so important, and has been our weakness in recent years.
Other recent changes are the appointment of Michelle Harness as full time Commercial Manager, David Beeby as Assistant Football Club Secretary and Louise Whittaker as Office Manager. They are a great team and all making a vast improvement in our operation off the field as they gain in experience. All our staff are embracing the new challenge and giving their all to make sure Scunthorpe United is once again, a shining example for others to follow.
Finally, a tribute to the ground staff under Graham Colby. The pitch and the ground in general is an absolute picture and possibly never been better. Parts of the stands and the seating are well ready for refurbishment, and that will come, but with limited resources Graham and his team have worked wonders.
The support, and hard work, of my fellow directors, Rex, Simon, and Jason, through a very difficult time,has been enormous and is very much appreciated by me.
Enjoy the new season. I have a feeling we have a lot to look forward to.
Steve Wharton
Chairman18th August 2004
