Smith welcomes in the New Year...
I WOULD like to start by wishing you all a very Happy New Year and thank you for your valued support throughout the first half of the season - long may it continue.The past 12 months have seen the club make significant progress both on and off-the-field and we are working extremely hard to ensure that this progression will continue throughout 2014.
We look forward to the New Year with anticipation and excitement. There is certainly plenty for us to be positive about and with everyone showing the necessary desire and commitment to the cause, we will give ourselves every chance of achieving our objectives and building on the foundations that are already in place here.
This group of players works so hard for each other and displays so much composure. It’s been a busy period both in terms of matches and training, but the lads have given me their all and put the effort in.
Hopefully it will be rewarded with three points against a Sheffield United side who will come here well-organised and determined to start climbing the League One table.
They have plenty of quality in their side and an experienced man at the helm in Nigel Clough.
Thank you for the backing that you have given us in our last two games on the road at Bristol City on Boxing Day and then Gillingham on Sunday.
Your commitment at this time of the year is much appreciated by the players and I and we look forward to hearing you in good voice on New Year's Day.
May I finally take the opportunity to thank my family for their continued support over the last year and also my staff and their families. It is so valuable to have a network of support and I feel that is what we are building here at the football club with a team effort from the Chairman, Board of Directors and all the staff and supporters moving in the same direction.
DEAN SMITH