CHAIRMAN'S UPDATE
Yesterday the Administrator, Brendan Guilfoyle announced that he had selected Luton Town 2020 Ltd as the preferred bid for our football club. This simple sentence does not do justice to the feelings of joy, relief and pride that we all feel, because it paves the way for the rebuilding of Luton Town. In choosing 2020, Mr Guilfoyle has opened the door for a new era where the owners of LTFC can work in partnership with the fans and the local community.
On behalf of TiL I would like to congratulate and thank the bid team of Gary Sweet, Stephen Browne and Antony Brown, who have worked tirelessly to make this happen. I would also like to thank the many fans within TiL, LLSC and LTSC who have played their part, in particular Nick Owen who has been a calm and authoritive voice in recent weeks. Most of all though, we welcome and applaud the personal investment of Steve Foster, Godfrey Ingram, Mick Pattinson, Mike Roberts and Bob Curson, who have produced significant sums of money to secure this bid. What makes this Anglo/US team so special is their shared vision and commitment to a properly run football club, based on sound ethical and business principles.
I am also sure that the 2020 Team would like me to point out that this is only the beginning, and the real work starts here. It will take weeks to secure creditor and FL approval and LTFC will be run by the administrator for some time yet. During this time there is much to do to stabilise the club on and off the field before the keys to Kenilworth Rd will be formally handed over. One major benefit of being the exclusive bid is that LTFC 2020 Ltd can work positively with the administrator for the benefit of the creditors and club without the dark spectre of a competitive bid looking to place the club back into the hands of those who have brought discredit to this club and done so much damage. This means that there is no longer a need to sell players to survive! However, it must be said that LTFC will still have to ensure that we have an appropriate squad size and wage bill that is sustainable, but 2020 are now in a position to consider only offers that are in our very best interests.
A few moments ago it was announced that another Luton legend is rejoining us and we wish Mick Harford every success as Caretaker Manager! Mick knows the club well, has fully supported the 2020 mission throughout and will, I am sure, have the full support of the fans and will work tirelessly to ensure a skilled and galvanised squad of players. Mick will certainly know that if LTFC is run properly, then it has a bright and fantastic future, and is a wonderful opportunity!
During this time we, the fans, have a major role. It is imperative that we show the football world, and the new investors, that we are in this together, that we can fill the ground we have now, whatever position or division we occupy, and that we can and will roll up our sleeves to help the rebuilding process. We will no doubt hear more from 2020 directly, or via the media, as they reach out across the region, but we must accept they are still deep into very complex negotiations and we are by no means there yet.
The spirit of the players at Anfield yesterday was outstanding and matched by the unity and voice of the fans. It is this spirit and unity that we will need week in, week out, if we are to realise the 2020 vision which we all share.
We stand now on the edge of darkness with the rising sun illuminating the hills and fields in front of us. Let us leave the dark days behind us and walk together into the sunshine. There will be storms and squalls on the way, but if we stay as one and if everyone returns to the Luton family and fills the Kenny, then we can achieve anything!
We are Luton Town.........
Liam