Good afternoon and welcome to the Amex Stadium for this afternoon’s game against Chelsea.
I would like to start my programme notes today by thanking you, our supporters, for your fantastic backing since I came to the club. I have mentioned before the welcome you have afforded me and my backroom staff, which is very much appreciated, but I must also mention the support you have given the team during this period.
To see the Amex Stadium so full really does help the team, while the support we have received on our travels to Liverpool, Brentford and Manchester City has been something special. I wasn’t expecting to see so many fans make those journeys, especially the long, long trips to Liverpool and Manchester, but it’s felt like we’ve had a 12th man at times. We haven’t had the results we would have liked of course, but with this connection between the supporters, the players and the staff, I know we can go on to pick up the victories this team is capable of.
MA+ members & STH only - Log-in required
Log-in required
From what I see every day in training, and for long spells in the games so far, there is plenty that encourages me. There is also much that excites me. These are still early days in our relationship and there is plenty of hard work ahead, but this squad of players can achieve very good things. It is a group that works well, that works hard, and a group that really wants to keep improving.
After our tough trip to Manchester City, we face another encounter against a top side. We know of the obvious association with my predecessor, Graham Potter, and we welcome him, his backroom staff and players to the Amex Stadium today. Our players know the challenge in front of them, but if we apply ourselves like we have been doing, then I’m confident of a positive outcome.
Finally, today we show our support for LGBTQ+ inclusion through the Premier League and Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign. Football, sport and society in general should be open and welcoming to everyone. I am fully behind the Rainbow Laces campaign to help in the fight against all forms of discrimination.
Enjoy the game,
Roberto