Good afternoon everyone,
I hope you continue to be in good health during these uncertain times.
When I provided my most recent update to you last month, I referenced that it was our hope that we could start to share some positive news with you around this time.
Unfortunately, we’re not quite ready to begin making announcements yet, but you have my continued assurance that everything at the club is in good health and we continue to navigate through this unprecedented situation in a productive way.
I appreciate this will be disappointing as I know you're eager for some good news, but I’m confident that when we finally do begin making announcements, they will be worth the wait.
I’d like to take this opportunity to publicly thank our staff and squad for their unwavering support and commitment in recent months. Every decision we’ve taken as a management to stabilise the club has been warmly received by them at every stage. It confirms that we have great people on-board and there are many bright days ahead for Pontypool RFC.
In other matters, I’m pleased to share that the works to enclose Pontypool Park have been completed and for the first time in its history, our home is now fully secure.
I’m sure you will agree that the fencing has been installed in a tasteful way and some of you will have also noticed the feature gate that sits adjacent to the ticket office. This has the potential to become a real icon of Pontypool Park and I look forward to the day when we can welcome people back to the ground in a post-pandemic world.
The next phase of the re-development of Pontypool Park is to invest in the main grandstand and the surrounding external areas. We’re awaiting further instruction from the Welsh Rugby Union on a potential return to play before making any firm commitments at this time, but I’ll be sure to keep you fully informed of our progress in the weeks and months that follow.
It's a frustrating time for all of us and I do appreciate that my updates say largely the same thing. The last four years have been frantic, busy and full of action and it has been a massive adjustment to be in a position where we cannot do what we do best.
Nonetheless, we’re doing all we can to keep the club stable and I hope this is evident in how we continue to communicate with you.
I will write to you all again shortly, but in the meantime, thank you again for your support and patience. All of us at the club greatly appreciate it.
All the best,
Ben.