Further to the Chairman’s interview last week, the club would like to update supporters with regard to the ongoing potential sale of the club.
Due diligence by any potential new owner takes time. There is precedent at other clubs that have been sold recently of this process taking several months, something which we do not envisage here. Simon Corney last week gave the fans as much information as he could whilst stressing nothing would be finalised until the due diligence process had been completed.
Furthermore, Simon has met with the EFL to discuss a possible sale and the league requirements. There are very strict and stringent 'fit and proper' person test that any prospective owner has to pass. Simply put, if the EFL do not give their blessing, no sale can take place.
The club understands some of the fans will be frustrated regarding the lack of information but would like them to understand that at this stage, there is nothing further to add.
Much has been written and speculated about the new players being signed by the club and the role they will play. Again, in very clear terms, John Sheridan is the manager and any manager of this club will always pick the players and play what they believe is their best team. Today, John requested three or four more players to add to what we believed at the start of the season, was a much stronger squad than in recent years, and one that could be competitive.
Having said that, we have taken a decision that over the last few years we have not been as proactive and successful in bringing young players through as perhaps we should have been, and have therefore decided that we will run a reserve team or more likely a 'second' team that can play competitive games on a weekly basis. This will allow youth team players the chance to play senior football, injured players a pathway back to match fitness and trialists or players, that we have signed, and who are not ready for the first team, the opportunity to shine and make their case for inclusion into the first team squad.
Finally, we thank the fans for their patience with the club. We know we have not performed as we would have wanted so far but we are also confident that we can turn our season round.