There has been a desire from County fans for a statement from the club management which, as always, I am pleased to agree to.

Cheshire Sport are acutely aware of the need to do everything possible to ensure we retain our Div 2 status and are fully committed to supporting Sammy McIlroy in this objective, including potential additions to the squad. It is true that we have not invested heavily in the transfer market (who has in our division?) but we have invested heavily in increased wages, without only minimal reductions against the salaries of the few players we have loaned out.

Sammy is confident that the players he has bought in have improved the quality of the team and of the football being played.

I meet with Sammy, Mark and Gill every week to review the weekend games and discuss how we might continue to improve the squad to start turning performances into points. Both Sammy and I are very active in this area, but there is no point ib bringing in players (loan or permanent, free of for a fee) unless the manager feels they will improve on what we have here already.

The reality of our situation is that it is not enough for us to want a player - that player needs to want to play for us too. This is the only reason we lost Boaz Myhill - we had agreed a deal but he simply fancied playing for Hull more than he fancied stopping with County. No management cock-up, no conspiracy, just the realities of football. Another example, without breaking confidences, is that we tried to bring in a top Div 1/ex Premiership player on loan that would have cost us a ludicrous amount in weekly wages but which CS were prepared to fund, only for the player concerned to decline to move.

Many supporters, naturally desperate for success, feel the current run of form could be reversed simply by spending money in the transfer market. With all due respect that is simply naïve. The better players are simply not going to be released by clubs at the business end of the season. There is no magic wand, however many £s you attach to that wand. This fact reflects the nature of football, players and their agents not the commitment of Cheshire Sport.

One final word regards the pitch - we recognize it is in a shocking condition but it must not become an excuse for poor performances. At the end of the day it's the same for both sides and we at least have the advantage over the visitors in that we are used to it. The reason the pitch is so poor is down to the simple fact that it was laid too late in the summer - it should have been done in May not July but we were not in charge in May. Clearly playing rugby on the surface demands a better solution than was able to delivered for this season and I am assured by the groundsman that this will be the case.

The most important thing now is for all of us to back Sammy and the lads and for the team to start winning games as their performances merit. As always, the role of the fans in this vital - the team thrive on your support and encouragement. At Cheshire Sport too we value and admire your support and would certainly never take it for granted. We have invested millions in acquiring the club and are fully committed to continuing to support County now and into the future.