Whilst domestic top-flight football has been paused I thought it would be timely to provide an update on the first part of our season.
I’m sure you all enjoyed following the adventures of Keanu Baccus in the World Cup as much as I did. It was such a great honour for him to be named in the squad and the fact that he played in every game was fantastic experience for Keanu and great exposure for our Club.
Back at home I think we have to be very satisfied with our best start in the top division for 33 years. It’s been particularly pleasing to see the team perform so well at the SMISA Stadium in front of our own fans. I’m also pleased to confirm that initial discussions are underway with players whose deals expire at the end of the season regarding contract extensions. Everyone involved in the football department deserves great credit for what’s been achieved to date.
It’s no surprise that attendances are up on the equivalent fixtures last season by 16%, which is really encouraging, and I think we all feel a big difference in the atmosphere particularly in the games against Celtic and Rangers. The players and everyone at the Club have felt the benefit of your support. Thank you!
There have been a number of other positives:
- Season Ticket sales are up.
- Commercial Income is well ahead of budget.
- Away kit sales are 10 times last season's total and the long awaited stock has now arrived.
- The 'Three Stands Policy' has been well received and the Tony Fitzpatrick Family Stand has been busier than ever.
- We've successfully launched our 'Help a Buddie' scheme.
- Complimentary Tickets are available in all local Primary Schools.
- We’ve significantly ramped up our community engagement activities assisted by our Charitable Foundation, SMISA, StreetStuff and other partners.
- The painting of murals etc. around the stadium has significantly improved the feel of our home.
This is only a selection of the projects at the Club. I’m sure you’ll join me in thanking all of our dedicated team behind the scenes (staff and volunteers) for their hard work in delivering all of these initiatives.
One real disappointment has been the significant damage to The Dome. Indications are that the structure will have to be replaced. We are working with our insurers and investigating replacement options in parallel. I hope to be able to update you once the picture becomes clearer.
Another area of challenge has been getting back to profitability following the impacts and expense of COVID, the economic climate, inflation and a number of one off costs such as the recently completed upgrade of the facilities at our Training Ground. As announced at the recent SMISA Members’ Meeting, the Board are working extremely hard with Keith and his team to generate more income and reduce costs. We are targeting a modest profit/break even in the 2023/24 season. To achieve that we need to continue the positive progress on and off the park. As I’ve said before we are at our best when we all pull together. We’ve demonstrated that so far this season and I’m sure, like me, you all want that to continue.
So, in summary there are many positives to report and I look forward to the upcoming fixtures with relish. You’ve backed us in great numbers so far so why not bring someone along to a game or buy a 'Help a Buddie' ticket to increase the numbers cheering the team on after the break? I believe we have a squad to be proud of and worthy of our Club.
As we approach the busy festive season I wish every Buddie a Happy Christmas and a peaceful and successful New Year.
