Welcome to our first midweek home game of the season. Under Darrell’s leadership the team have made a solid start to the season, picking up seven points from a possible nine, with wins at home to Stourbridge and away to Bashley and an exciting 3-3 draw at Cambridge City.

The loyalty of our fans has been demonstrated by the number of season ticket renewals (with over 160 issued and we are still receiving applications) and the impressive turn-out in our opening home match when 871 watched the team play attractive football and score outstanding goals. The short trip to Bashley saw our fans outnumber the home supporters and many also made the long trip to Cambridge City.

The Board recognises and appreciates this support, it is a boost to our players and demonstrates to our commercial sponsors the benefits of developing a relationship with the club. Paul Fredericks, our Chief Executive, meets regularly with officials from the Supporters Club, this dialogue gives fans the opportunity to raise issues and for the Club to explain the strategic direction required to ensure that SCFC has a secure and sustainable future. Engagement with supporters will be a continuous process, the next stage being an open forum with Directors on Wednesday 25^th August 2010. This event starts at 7:30, entry is by ticket which is free and obtainable by e-mailing info@salisburycity-fc.co.uk

Another significant development in improving communications is the launch of our updated website. The site, which was released over the weekend, has been developed following feedback from supporters. Initial comments received are very positive and we thank those that have taken the time pass on their views. We understand the frustration of regular visitors to the old site who wanted more information about the team and other news from the Club. The new site is still in development and there will be further enhancements in the coming days and months. The design of the site enables users to provide feedback, constructive comments are most welcome.

Our commercial team have been continuing to develop the relationship with businesses in the local community. A number of new sponsor’s boards are appearing around the stadium, we thank all our sponsors for their investment and we encourage supporters to utilise their services. In these challenging financial times sponsors increasingly hope to see a return from their engagement with the Club. When contacting these companies please mention that you saw their adverts in the programme or around the stadium, it will make a difference when we talk to them about their involvement next season.

The Commercial team have also been busy arranging other events, details of which will shortly be released on our website and highlighted in forthcoming match day programmes.

The popularity of the programme at the opening game of the season meant that we sold out! We apologise to those of you who were unable to purchase one. Last season we were consistently losing money on programme sales, clearly this is not sustainable, we have increased the print run for tonight’s match and will closely monitor sales with the aim of satisfying demand in the future.

We extend a warm welcome to the board, management, players and supporters of Weymouth FC. We were saddened to hear of the recent loss of Bob Lucas, his loyalty to the club over many years is well documented and the naming of the stadium in his honour is a fitting tribute. We are sure all our supporters will join us in extending sympathy to his family and many friends.

William Harrison-Allan, Chris Brammall, Jeff Hooper, Paul Fredericks