Hi all,

As it’s the first week of another month, I thought I would give you all an update on what’s been happening.

Firstly, injuries…

Preston Bitemo – Great news regarding Preston as he has upped his rehab in the last week or so and is back on the pitch building up his fitness with straight line running initially. It’s been a real frustrating time for such a young bright lad but hopefully we are all seeing light at the end of the tunnel.

Levi Andoh – Sadly for Levi and us, Levi suffered a collar bone injury away to Scarborough and will miss the remainder of the season. I would like to wish Levi all the best with his recovery and thank him for his efforts back in a Bulls shirt.

Sammy Robinson – Sammy is progressing well. He’s still recovering at home and won’t be returning to the training ground with our physio until his rest period is over. The diagnosis for Sammy is that we still expect him to miss the remainder of the season off the back of the needless nasty tackle he was on the end of against Buxton.

At this time of the season all clubs will have players that are suffering from lots of different minor issues that have to be monitored as best as you can and we are no different. In truth the Scarborough pitch got the better of quite a few of our players which have since had to be monitored but we’ve done that over the last 10 days or so which we are pleased about.

I genuinely can’t believe we are down to the final 4 games of the league campaign already. There have been lots of ups and downs and the positives have outweighed the negatives on a football perspective that’s for sure. My aim when coming to the football club at a tender inexperienced age of 36 was probably really unrealistic having found ourselves as a football club in a precarious position, but I wanted to try and bring back some hope and belief to the club. I wanted the club to be in a position every season with 4 games to go still trying to achieve something. This club hasn’t done that for a long time especially in this division so to bring that hope and belief back for the 2nd season in a row is something we can all be proud of.

Also, it’s important I explain my post-match comments most recently about our football club overachieving. When I say we are overachieving, which I stand by 100%, I think it’s important to explain to our supporters what I mean and in fairness our Chairman has tried to via his programme notes from time to time.

As a fan base we won’t be able to match your level until we get into the EFL. That’s a matter of fact. We have an EFL fan base in terms of numbers and dedication. It is never a comment made with a lack of ambition towards our supporters. What we CANNOT do and the Chairman has spoken about this, is just tick off finances left right and centre at the football club. The football has taken the spotlight off the position we found ourselves in financially when the new board took over 2 years ago and that is a positive.

At my last Fans Forum I stated you can’t have £5000 in your personal account and expect to buy a £500,000 house within 18 months and it’s no different with the business. I am no finance expert, but I guarantee the current board are building a sustainable football club for the years to come and that takes time. I am proud the football has been pivotal to that.

The Chairman alluded that we are not a club that can ask one person just to tick off £50,000 for a new roof or £30,000 for new toilets. In terms of football, of course we all want to be competing at the top end and your support deserves that, but with continuous patience I genuinely believe when the time is right and the club is in a position where there is a safe secure space to exploit in terms of investment then I know the board will do exactly that. Again, this is no lack of ambition or trying to take the heat off anyone when making these comments, it’s the absolute reality and in a way it’s bringing us all closer as a club. Rest assured we are in a position where we have to believe in one another and do our best to get as many positive results as we can in the final weeks.

Moving onto the football pitch now. I am not going to plead for your support in numbers because I know you will give us exactly that. A 4,000+ attendance for our remaining 2 home league games would be a remarkable return. The football club are extremely proud of its supporters and players and I can’t thank you enough for giving us your all week after week. The rise in attendance numbers in the last 20 months have been remarkable and I thank you for that.

Finally, on a personal note, Saturday marked my 100th game in charge of your club. What an absolute honour it is to say that and it fills me with pride and happiness. It’s not been easy. It’s been difficult. It’s been amazing. It’s been frustrating. It’s been rewarding. It’s been tiring. It’s been everything and more than I expected it to be with a few little unexpected ingredients on top.

The reaction from the day I walked through the door has been mostly great. There have been frustrations. The day at Tamworth last season so early on was a tough pill to swallow. People showing and expressing their opinions which they’re entitled to. Radcliffe away was also a tough day. One thing I will say is I am still standing and as deluded as some may think I am, I will represent the football club to the best of my ability until the day I walk out the door and that’s all I can promise you. Football is the only industry where we are all experts and that’s why we all love it. It’s why we choose to switch off from the everyday struggles to go to a place with family and friends and just share special moments. This football club is a special football club and I am honoured to stand on the touchline representing you all.

Our players are an absolute pleasure to work with. The bits you don’t see is difficult for you to admire but every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday these players are working tirelessly to bring you happiness. They have made a lot of sacrifices to match the sacrifices you make every week for us.

I am so pleased for Cowls to get that goal we have all been craving for him. Saturday has to be seen as a positive result against a side who have been well backed and have very experienced players. We were also up against a club who spent a good fee on a player who scored their 2nd goal, which ell shows you that we as a club are overcoming as many hurdles as we can to be in the mix right until the end. Last season’s 69 points has been surpassed. We have to keep striving for better.

Your support on Saturday wouldn’t have looked out of place in the EFL and it’s my goal as your manager to try and continue that belief and hope that we can continue to progress on the pitch.

4 games to go. Stay positive. See you Saturday.

Take Care

Paul Caddis