Great article Ash!
And some very wise words from Ben!!
"We're a club based on family values and we've always cared about people, in various ways.
That's why we're relaxed when people come here.
They don't have to wear ties in the boardroom for example, the most important thing is that they come here and enjoy themselves."
"The thing is, it's like in life, it's the people that are important with what they stand for and what they're about.
We went to Burnley in the FA Cup and they presented us with a memento of our first visit there, but I come back to the fact that it's the folk who matter most.
I'd rather meet nice folk, and nice people, than have a five-star meal with people that aren't particularly friendly or real."
"The thing is, and what I've been preaching for years, is that when you support Burton Albion, you're not just supporting a professional football club.
You're also supporting a community facility, because we have always supported our community and always will.
That's about our Community Trust, which engages 8,000 people per week, and if you look at what they do it's incredible.
You talk to the police, the fire service, the hospital and the schools and they'll tell you how important that work in the community is.
The message is, look, come and support Burton Albion, because you're not just supporting your football club.
This stadium cost £7.4million to create 10 years ago, and it's run as a community football club.
It's not run as a personal financial vehicle for any individual to improve their lifestyle, trust me!"
"AW: In terms then of trying to get those crowds down to games, what does the club need to do?
BR: Well, what do football fans want to see? They want to see entertaining football, and we've got that in abundance with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's approach, and the squad of players he has brought together."
"The development of the club will depend on the basis of the support we get.
This season, it's key that we get more support through the turnstiles – not just the away fans, but the fans locally.
You've seen this season how well the team have performed, and we'll never have, I don't think, a better chance of getting close to the Championship than this season.
It's important that we see people come through the turnstiles."
"In Jimmy's case, he is ambitious and one day he will move on, but hopefully he'll wait and I'm sure he'll make the right decision and go to the right club with the right opportunity.
We're lucky. He's an inspirational guy and has a great assistant in David Oldfield, who's well respected and has obviously played the game with great coaching experience.
These are great times. We look back on Nigel Clough 10 years ago, and we've got Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink now who's built a great reputation as a world-class player, and is now delivering as a manager."
........
The key is getting people though the turnstiles. We have added two new members to our group this season, we're up to 8 now.
Bring a friend!
Photo from FB...
