Notts County chief executive Jason Turner has provided his latest update to supporters.
It has been another busy period since my last update, with our Football in the Community day, against Crewe, proving a huge success.There was a brilliant family-orientated atmosphere, with many local schools and community groups taking advantage of our offer of free tickets.
It was also an opportunity for everyone to learn more about the excellent work our FITC team carry out and it was an absolute pleasure to support them by hosting this exciting and very rewarding event.
In previous updates I have kept supporters up to date with my attempts to secure a new kit supplier for next season. Following detailed discussion with two market leaders and close consultation with our Commercial Operations manager, Simon Fotheringham, I have recommended my choice to the board. Once the final decision has been made we will make an announcement. I can guarantee that next season's arrangements will not only ensure we avoid the inexcusable problems we have encountered this year but also provide the team and our fans with a kit and training range to be proud of.
Understandably, this year's kit problems have caused much frustration among fans and I do sympathise with them. Therefore, following conversations with our Supporter Liaison Officer Dougie Pullen, we would like to give our supporters the chance to choose the colour of next season’s away kit. Once the supplier has been confirmed I will provide an update on this.
On the subject of SLOs, applications closed this week for those who wish to join our SLO team. The biographies of the two applicants will be made public later today and supporters will be able to vote for their preferred choice. Click here to learn more about the voting process and the composition of the SLO team.
Our existing SLOs, Tim Bradd and Dougie, are very much looking forward to welcoming a supporter, chosen by their fellow fans, to the team. This an excellent opportunity for the fan base to elect a supporter who will represent their views on a variety of important club matters and I personally look forward to working with them.
In retail news, we recently launched a huge range of personalised gifts in our online store. We are very pleased with the new products and with Christmas fast approaching, I am confident supporters will find the perfect festive gift for friends and family! Click here to explore the full range.
It is an exciting time for our academy, who on Tuesday play in the first round of the prestigious FA Youth Cup. We were delighted to draw Sutton Coldfield-based Romulus FC, with whom we have developed an excellent relationship having sent Yohan Rutty-Smith, Montel Gibson and Joe Searson-Smithard to them on loan. This will be a big occasion for our young players who are looking forward to playing in front of what will hopefully be a healthy crowd at Meadow Lane as they attempt to progress to the second round. The match kicks off at 7pm. Please click here for further information.
Our first team will also soon be switching their attention from league action to the FA Cup, with a trip to National League side Boreham Wood next Sunday (kick-off 2pm). For many of our supporters it will be a new ground to visit and it would be great to embark on an exciting cup run. We are, however, under no illusions that Boreham Wood will prove to be very difficult opponents.
The fixture was moved to a Sunday to accommodate coverage on the BBC’s highlights show and, as a result, we have agreed with Sunderland to push our Checkatrade Tophy fixture, initially scheduled for Tuesday 8 November, to Wednesday 9 November to allow an extra day's preparation for a match we must win if we are to progress from the group stage.
This has had a further knock-on effect, with our Meet the Manager night having to be postponed for a week. It will now take place on Wednesday 16 November and all tickets for the original date will be valid. For more information on this event please click here.
Looking ahead to this weekend, I am absolutely ecstatic that Aaron Collins will be available to us after our appeal against his red card at Portsmouth was rightly upheld. Anyone who knows Aaron will understand there is not a malicious bone in his body and it is heartening to see justice done on this occasion. The successful outcome of this appeal is the result of an excellent effort from a number of backroom staff, all of whom deserve great credit.
At the time of writing we are awaiting news of the scan on Jon Stead's injury. Whatever the outcome we all wish him a speedy and full recovery and look forward to him resuming his fine goal-scoring form when he is ready to return to action.
Saturday’s match against Luton Town will be our annual Remembrance fixture. We are looking forward to welcoming representatives of the Royal British Legion and the armed forces as we join to pay tribute to the men and women who have given their lives in service to their country. There will be a bucket collection at the match and I would ask supporters to give generously.
I look forward to seeing you all at the match.
Come on you Pies!
Jason