Lee Turnbull's programme notes (Woking)

Takeover talks continue to dominate the landscape. Ian Sharp, I must say, has impressed me enormously with his passion and commitment to “his” town, Scunthorpe United and our supporters. I hope that for the future of our club a deal will be struck and we can plan ahead. A consortium of local business people with the desire to secure the football club will resonate positively, not only with our fan base, but football fans across the country.

The uncertainty of the club's position and unsettling atmosphere around Glanford Park has been challenging for the staff and players, especially with Christmas and the New Year almost upon us. I have tried as always to relay information to my staff, equally via the media and through updates to keep everyone up to speed. There are confidential aspects that I cannot disclose and will perhaps be in a position to share with you all once I am in a position to.

 

Joe Nuttall left the building last week to join National League rivals Oldham Athletic. Oldham have been chasing Joe for a while now made us an offer for Joe which we considered acceptable.

Joe is out of contract in the summer and could feasibly leave the club for nothing when his contract expires. The deal also allows us a future sell on. We thank Joe for his service and his goals, and wish him well in the future.

Football is a business and we have sold numerous players that we would have preferred to stay at the club over the years. Joe's done okay, he’s had a decent season, and the offer was a good one. This helps us financially to sustain the club, and moreover might enable us to bring in some fresh blood. We have striker options in Caolan Lavery, Marcus Carver, Alfie Beestin and Colin Daniel. Ty Sellars-Fleming and Harrison Poulter will be also pushing soon.

 

I’m particularly keen on our younger players like Harrison Poulter experiencing first team football and the opportunity to go on loan is something I will continue to drive. We don’t have a reserve team, U21s or B team so it’s imperative players get competitive football.

Elliot Whitehouse, Jack Moore Billam and Harry Lewis are all out getting minutes and we are delighted to see Fin Shrimpton back in the first team fold after a great spell at Gainsborough Trinity.

Darren Sarll has done a brilliant job at Woking, he brings a team in the play offs and brimming with confidence. I have spoken with Darren a few times over the years and find him an engaging young man with a real passion and knowledge for the game. His team will be a difficult challenge but one we should relish and battle against the odds to overcome.

Our head groundsman Nathan with Gaz, Reg and Josh have worked tirelessly to prepare a fantastic playing surface under extreme weather conditions, I thank them as we all should for their efforts. I thank my staff, the players and management for their understanding and patience during these testing weeks and months. I ask them to dig in and show a tough, resilient, professional approach. The team wins we all win, the team loses we all feel the pain. Can we now produce the results that we all work so hard for? Can we get the points that we all sweat so hard for? As a club and a community we should never give in, never give up and strive to improve at all times. Once this takeover happens we have a myriad of thought processes and ideas to generate more support and improve our position as a club. The Christmas season gives us a chance to help out, provide some entertainment hopefully and give something back. There's free food tonight outside the ground, some music and entertainment is always a good idea at this time of year! A time for sharing and caring, we have invited, through our Community Champions, some free family tickets tonight to enjoy the game on us!

Club legend Cliff Byrne is our restaurant guest. Cliff needs no introduction, winning promotions and performing brilliantly on the pitch, lifting the play-off trophy at Wembley Is forever in our hearts and minds. He settled in the area with his wife Sandra and son Callum who is Scunny through and through! Cliff is a great guy, a positive and inspirational leader. I’m sure you’ll show your appreciation and give Cliff a warm reception.

My last notes before Christmas come with a message of hope and desire to make this place a better place - our club, our town, our community. Stronger together and with your help we can slowly build and get our football club back on track.

Happy Christmas to all, be kind, humble and remember those less fortunate. Enjoy the festive period and come down to GP on Boxing Day to support the lads against Chesterfield.