Chairman’s Message: 22/04/20

Apr 22, 2020 | Archive

Firstly, I hope you are all keeping safe, well and getting through these strange and challenging times, that Covid-19 has thrust upon us.

This unfamiliar territory we find ourselves in, would unfortunately appear to be here to stay for a while. We need to remain positive and of course disciplined, if we are to help everyone through to the other side.

For us as a football club, these are challenging times also and Saturday’s are so very different, without the beautiful game we all love. Our players are a committed group and on their own initiative they continue to keep themselves sharp and their minds active.  I have contacted them all a few times over the past number of weeks, they are in good form, good shape physically but mentally they are finding it tough being away from the dressing room environment. They are a resolute bunch, and like most of us, will come out of this stronger for the experience.

Behind the scenes, Kenny, Niall, Jayne, the board and I are navigating our way through this week by week, trying to plan for the various scenarios that we may face once the lockdown is lifted. These are all timescale driven, whether it be a resumption of this campaign and getting those final three homes games played, or the start of a new 20/21season, we will be ready to embrace the challenges they thrust upon us.

As player and supporter liaison officer on the board, I would like to thank Lyn Kernohan for continuing this engagement and reaching out to our season ticket holders, in particular our older, more vulnerable supporters during this time. It has been very well received, as have phone calls and social media contact from the club to our fanbase.

The Larne FC sense of community spirit is there, and will continue to be, for everyone during this period of uncertainty. We look forward to nothing more, than opening our gates once again, welcoming you back to Inver Park and bringing some normality back into our lives.

This sense of spirit is coming through strong from various community groups and organizations in the town, it is great to see and is to be highly commended. I’m glad to say that our players and board members have tried in some little way to help and support with this.

At this point, I would like to thank the group of volunteers who make up our social media team, for their continued hard work during this pandemic. On a daily basis they have brought a little bit of Larne FC into our homes, helping us to continue our engagement with you, our fans.  I include Danny and the 1889 Sports & Social Club in this also, the Quiz and ‘Live Lounge’ have proved to be a great success; and indeed, a pick me up for many of us. Huge thanks and respect must also go to the artistes involved, they have given of their time freely and been superb.

As a club and a community, we are very much pulling together.  As loyal fans, you continue to be there for us and we are trying our best to do the same for you. We must stick together, keep spirits up and optimism high until football resumes.

When that first ball bounces again in earnest, we know you will be right behind us, to hopefully see us conclude this season and roll in to next. Let’s continue to follow the governments advice, and we will get through this much quicker, continue to take care of each other, especially those most at risk.

Finally, I wish you and your families the very best for the coming weeks. Stay home, stay safe and stay positive, hopefully by doing this we can get back to our beloved Inver Park, both safe and well!

My last word goes to the front-line workers across the town and country, you are an example to us all, we are indebted to you and so thankful for the selfless roles you are playing, in helping to fight this today to give us all a brighter tomorrow.

Regards

Gareth

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