Chairman's Programme Notes: Arsenal

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2021-03-06T08:31:09.508Z

Chairman's Programme Notes: Arsenal

2021-03-06T08:31:09.508Z

Alan Pace's latest programme notes ahead of City visit

A very warm welcome to you all today as we host Arsenal at Turf Moor for our third game within seven days.

After a difficult result against Tottenham it was heartening to see the team bounce back with one of our best performances of the season on Wednesday here against Leicester City

We went toe-to-toe with a team currently sitting third in the Premier League and, while I may be biased, I felt the team would have deservedly taken all three points had Kasper Schmeichel not been at the very top of his game.

Chairman's Programme Notes: Arsenal - Image 1

In a hugely difficult season, every single point is vital, and the draw takes us that bit closer to achieving our main goal. With players returning from injury – hopefully having a similar impact to Chris Wood did on Wednesday – I believe we’re in good stead for the home straight.

Today’s fixture brings back fond memories of the 1-0 victory at the Emirates back in December, when my business partners and I were in the middle of negotiations to acquire the club.

The hard-fought win was just the second of the season, but it was a big one which lifted us out of the bottom three for the first time and further emphasised the club’s fantastic potential to me as an interested spectator.

That victory was followed by two more wins and a draw from the next four games and a club takeover off the pitch. What an exciting, stressful, whirlwind December it was!

Let’s hope we can keep the momentum going again this time around and while it is always a tough ask to take more points from one of the Premier League’s bigger clubs, Turf Moor isn’t known as a difficult place to visit for no reason.

There is also added importance to this game, as the club is delighted to be undertaking our #WeeksOfAction with Level Playing Fields, a fantastic charity working with clubs across the Premier League for greater access and inclusion for disabled fans.

I’m very proud of the work that has already been undertaken here, with the development of the two new corner stands being a leading example of the positive effect of matchday accessibility.

I’ve heard humbling stories of how these facilities have helped supporters get back into the stadium, after they believed their time at Turf Moor had come to an end. It is so important we continue to improve the stadium, in line with our ethos of being one club for all.

This weekend also marks one year since we last had our supporters fill the stadium, and I know from speaking to fans and local community leaders that the continued absence is having a significant impact not just on our supporters, but also the local economy, which receives a huge boost from matchdays.

We must, however, remain patient with the hope that we can re-open the turnstiles at the start of next season, with the live football experience something that means so much to so many people.

I hope you all enjoy the game, keep safe and cheer on the Clarets this afternoon.

Alan

@AlanPaceBFC