As we approach the traditionally busy festive period and the conclusion of one of the most turbulent years in our club’s 145 year history, it is an opportune time to take stock before looking forward with a degree of cautious optimism.

Wanderers’ Christmas arguably arrived in August with the club’s takeover saving us from the sad plight suffered by neighbours Bury, swiftly followed by the appointments of Keith Hill and David Flitcroft and a frenetic transfer deadline day. The hastily assembled squad has been gradually moulded into an effective unit which, while still a work in progress, has moved us into positive points territory. A successful festive period on the pitch, allied to our outstanding games in hand, would mean that we enter 2020 and the new transfer window with all to play for.  While the existing transfer embargo remains a significant challenge in seeking to improve an injury hit squad already low on numbers, the impressive recruitment performance at the end of the last window potentially bodes well for January.

The other cloud threatening to dampen pre Christmas spirits is the current EFL appeal against our suspended points deduction penalty, no doubt encouraged by other League One clubs fortunate enough not to have had to undergo our recent experiences.  This was the main item for discussion at our recent positive meeting with Chief Executive Emma Beaugeard which focused on how the Trust might assist the club in progressing this matter with the EFL, particularly as our fundraising efforts earlier this year were in support of obtaining legal assistance to help resolve these kind of issues in a fair and proportionate manner to achieve the best outcome for our club. While the club has limited clarity on the timescales around the EFL appeal, they are confident around the strength of their case and remain appreciative of our offer of support if required.

The Trust is also keen to work with the club to increase the frequency of match day Fan Zones following its successful return for the October Rochdale fixture, and plans are being prepared for the festive Southend and Burton fixtures on 21st December and 1st January respectively and we hope that fans will continue to turn up and support this venture which both assists the club financially and helps generate a positive pre match atmosphere.

As we move into 2020, the Trust will be holding elections for positions on its board towards the end of January. I would urge all with an interest in helping the club move forwards to ensure they submit a nomination when the process begins as this process presents a great opportunity for all those interested Trust members to take a more active role in helping influence our club’s future direction.

Following the elections it is the Trust’s intention to introduce the new Board members at the 2020 AGM, which the Chief Executive has agreed to attend along with the management team of Keith Hill and David Flitcroft and hopefully Chairman Sharon Brittan.

While it remains the case that there is much to address as our club continues to face a number of challenges in the approach to Christmas, it is fair to say that our situation is so much brighter than 12 months previously, and holding on to that positive thought, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a peaceful and points laden festive period with best wishes for the New Year.’

Terence Rigby
BWFCST Chairman