For those of you that have not seen this, the below is a transcript of a letter sent this week to season ticket holders and others from Michael Slater. I understand something along the same lines will feature in tonight’s programme.
Dear
I am writing to thank you for your continuing support as a season ticket holder this year and to let you know that all of us on the board share the disappointment and frustration that I’m sure you are feeling about our recent run of results.
There’s no point in me trying to disguise the fact that I’m also writing to try and encourage you to continue your support by buying a season ticket for next season.
We are conscious that until very recently the club was locked in a spiral of decline following relegation from the Premier League in 2007 and fans like you have shown extraordinary loyalty over that period. I can well understand if your patience is stretched to breaking point.
Supporting Charlton at the moment isn’t easy. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but please don’t give up on your team.
When Tony Jimenez and I assumed control of the club at the turn of the year, we were well aware of the many issues that had to be addressed on and off the pitch to take the club forward again. We also felt that the squad had to be improved in order to gain promotion. We have taken steps to improve that situation, with some changes of personnel and the appointment of Chris Powell as manager. After four straight wins perhaps we all started to think that Chris might have a magic wand but recent results have confirmed what we and Chris believe – the squad must be strengthened.
I want to assure that change is coming. Nobody can guarantee success, but we did not come to Charlton to run it as a League One club. It is not a viable business in this division.
The board recognises that the only way out of this situation is to invest in the playing squad without making the mistake that so many other clubs make by panic buying in January. A better squad means better performances which will attract more fans and generate greater revenues for the club to invest.
We are not going to spend recklessly or hastily and nothing will be done without Chris’s say so, but I want to assure you that we know what needs to be done and over the coming months you will see significant investment to that end.
If you have already renewed your season ticket for 2011/12, I thank you and hope what I have said gives you cause for optimism. If you haven’t, I trust it will encourage you to do so by the deadline of April 4th to take advantage of reduced prices.
I’m confident the next season will be better than this one and that in years to come you’ll look back with pride in the knowledge that you stuck with the club through thick and thin.
On a personal note, I would like to thank you for the warm welcome Tony and I have received over the past few months. We are absolutely determined to repay that reception with success on the pitch, and sooner rather than later.
Onwards and upwards.
Michael Slater
Chairman
