Tuesday night's half match simply wasn’t acceptable and wasn’t a reflection of the standards we have set at this football club over the last eight years. I expect a reaction at Saturday's game, and I’m sure Richard, his staff and the players will expect exactly the same of themselves.

It’s important, though, that we all keep some perspective.

This club has gone from strength to strength over those eight years and that hasn’t happened by accident. Richard and his staff have played a huge part in that journey and continue to have my full backing as we navigate what is undoubtedly a difficult period.

We knew the step up to this level would be a significant one. We’ve seen other local clubs reach Step 3 in recent years only to be relegated at the first attempt, and we will do everything within our power to make sure we don’t follow that trend. Emley has a rich footballing history and I firmly believe this club deserves to be playing at this level.

But we also have to do it in the right way.

We are competing against clubs with playing budgets considerably greater than ours. It would be very easy to react to a few poor results by simply throwing more money at the playing squad. I won’t do that if it means putting the long-term future of this club at risk.

There are sacrifices and difficult decisions involved in building something sustainable. We are making significant progress off the pitch which, in time, will allow us to generate more income and invest more into the football side.

Our priority remains relocating the changing rooms and converting the existing facilities into a much larger clubhouse. We aim to begin that work early in the new year. It’s a major project, but one which can make a real difference to the club’s ability to generate revenue and ultimately strengthen what we can do on the pitch.

Emley has always punched above its weight. We intend to keep doing that, but we will do it sustainably rather than gamble with everything that has been built here.

I know recent results have led to plenty of discussion and opinions. Everyone is entitled to theirs – and I’m entitled to mine too! All I would ask is that criticism remains constructive and realistic.

Sticking together has been one of this club’s greatest strengths, certainly throughout the last eight years. It matters even more when things aren’t going our way.

With players returning and a full-strength squad becoming available again, alongside some experienced additions, I’m confident results will improve.

Saturday's game gives us an opportunity to start putting that right.

Get behind Richard and the lads and let’s see where it takes us. I hope to see as many of you as you can at our home game tomorrow afternoon.

Thank you, as always, for your support.

Marcus Pound
Chairman, Emley AFC