Jon Keighren speaks in today’s matchday programme feature “Boardsheet: from the Boardroom”.
Welcome back to Edgeley Park for this evening’s local derby against Ashton United.
We would also like to welcome the fans, players, staff and directors joining us from Hurst Cross.
This evening the focus returns to our promotion campaign, as we look to secure the points we need to clinch top spot in the National League North.
On Saturday, more than 6,000 fans packed into Edgeley Park to watch a pulsating FA Trophy semi-final against AFC Fylde, which looked destined for extra-time until the National League outfit snatched a last-minute winner.
The players and the management team should be immensely proud of their efforts, as we came so close to reaching a Wembley final.
Given some of the press coverage following the match, it’s important that we clarify the details around some of the incidents which occurred during the game.
Firstly, we are embarrassed by the behaviour of the individuals who ran onto the pitch to confront the Fylde players after the winning goal, despite the repeated warnings we have issued advising people not to enter the field of play.
We have been analysing CCTV and other footage in order to identify the two main offenders and we are continuing to liaise with Greater Manchester Police, as this is a criminal matter. We are also seeking to impose lifetime bans from Edgeley Park on the people who confronted the visiting players.
This incident spoiled the occasion for the 6,000 loyal County fans who came to the game and was a dreadful example to the youngsters standing at the front of the famous Pioneer Group Cheadle End.
It was unfortunate that the Fylde players chose to celebrate in front of the Pioneer Group Cheadle End, but that in no way excuses the pitch incursions.
We have eight cup finals between now and the end of the season and, if we see a repeat of this kind of incident, we could be looking at severe FA sanctions, including a possible points deduction. Would you want to be the fan that costs us a league title and promotion?
In addition, there were other reported incidents including claims that a fan entered the away dressing room – we have established that this is a complete fabrication and there were no fans inside the away changing room at any stage.
We also entirely refute claims that visiting officials felt ‘intimidated’ – in fact, we would like to praise our staff and supporters who operated with great restraint in and around the away directors’ box on Saturday afternoon.
Our club is coming to the end of a remarkable season and it is critical that all of our efforts now turn towards supporting the players and the management team as they bid to win promotion to the National League, and anything that distracts us now from that single aim is completely unhelpful and misguided.
Thank you to the 6,000 who came and supported the team so brilliantly on Saturday – the standing ovation at the final whistle brought a tear to the eye, as the players were recognised for their incredible efforts throughout this season. It was a wonderful reaction from the faithful members of the Blue and White Army.