Crawley Town's outgoing chairman gives message to fans

JAMES BOARDMAN / 07967642437.Crawley Town Football Clubs new Chairman Dave Pottinger. April 27, 2013. ENGSUS00120130828141707

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Crawley Town chairman Dave Pottinger has thanked all the outgoing owners, directors and benefactors for their help in steering the club over the last five years.

He has also paid tribute to those who are no longer with us such as Bruce Winfield, Les Turnbull and Dave Haining.

In a statement released by the club he thanks outgoing owners Matt Turner director Ian Carter, chief executive Michael Dunford and benefactor Paul Hayward for their contribution to the club’s success.

He also criticises a minority of fans who have been abusive to the owners which he feels is ‘Totally out of order.’

Crawley Town FC chief executive Michael Dunford 19-05-2015. SR1510642. Pic by Steve Robards SUS-150519-152600001

The statement reads: “On behalf of the board I can confirm that the sale of Crawley Town Football Club is complete.

“At this time, I would like to remember absent friends who regrettably are no longer with us: Bruce Winfield, Dave Haining and, of course, Les Turnbull.

“All were stalwarts of this club and true gentlemen to boot.

“Since taking over the Chair from another good friend of the club, Vic Marley, I have strived to represent the club with great pride and I will leave with many fond memories.

“I would like to thank my colleagues over the last five and a half years: Susan and Ian Carter, Michael Dunford and Matt Turner.

“All have received different levels of abuse from a small minority of so-called fans of this club of late.

“Totally out of order for the efforts they have expended in the name of Crawley Town FC. In fact, I believe it is a missed opportunity by the new owners not to involve Matt.

“He has worked tirelessly for the club and I am sure that his local business pedigree and connections would have proved to be an asset to the new regime going forward.

“Of course, Michael Dunford was within a couple of cup wins of achieving our goal of becoming a financially self-sufficient club.

“That didn’t happen so once again we have to offer our gratitude to our benefactor Paul Hayward for his generosity, to the extent that none of the past five years could have happened without his financial support.”

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