Outgoing Boston Chairman Issues Final Statement (From Scotty Walds' website with some additions)
Jim Rodwell has published a farewell speech on the official Boston United website, and Boston-United.com is here to summarise the juicy bits.
"This is without doubt the single most positive piece of news supporters of Boston United have received in certainly the last 10 years ." - on the takeover conclusion.
"I have made mistakes during my tenure, but they have always been made honestly and always with the best intentions of the club at heart." - on not being the most popular Chairman.
"First and foremost I must extend my deepest gratitude to my vice chairman and friend Phil Hanby." - he apparently made the Chestnut Homes deal happen. When I contacted his employers they refused to comment on why he had left.
"Steve had his critics at Boston United, but no manager in League Two worked harder and at times he was working with two hands tied behind his back." - on the oh-so-coveted manager of Boston United who was Mr Evans.
"I thank Paul Raynor and Steve Welsh for all their hard work and dedication and nobody covered more miles than Gee Evans, who watched more games and cared more for Boston United than most." - the backroom staff who shout and bawl, and the scout who watched his employers on a Saturday afternoon.
"To John and Maureen Blackwell, your support for me never wavered. You worked for me seven days a week, without complaint, under incredibly difficult circumstances. Your loyalty to the club was astonishing at times, even paying club bills out of your own pocket, when your own salary was not being met." - long overdue applause for their efforts.
"It has been a pleasure working with Craig Singleton." - press man, who had to type out endless drivel many a time.
"To Kayleigh McLellan and Ian Brailsford, thank you for all your efforts and keeping me smiling when things got tough. I thank Jason Hatfield too and without Nobby Croston and James Portas, we would not have had a pitch to play on." - financial administrators in a near-bankrupt company, but fair play; the pitch looks fantastic.
"I must also mention Michael Chinn at Staffsmart UK, whose financial support has been at times quite extraordinary." - Chinn has followed Evans to Crawley, and taken his money with him. And then went to prison (twice)
"Thanks also to all at BUSA, particularly Dale Allitt and Pauline Chapman, who have always supported the club and have had to pick me up off the floor at times. Thanks must also go to Justin Rushworth, who has been there when called upon." - an organisation who are under-rated, and again, a financial advisor of a sinking business; could've left to save reputation. Just sentenced to 8 months.
"Finally, I would like to thank my friend John Chalfin who, via Lavaflow, has invested heavily in Boston United with no thanks or reward." - why only mention him now? Who is he? What about Mr Evans and his re-mortaging of his house?
"Now is the time to rally behind the new owners of the club. They are huge fans of Boston United, never missing a home game, and the club is in very safe hands." - it's easy to be a fan; owning is a real challenge.
"I look forward to coming to watch Boston United as a fan and wish the club every success." - don't think you're that welcome Jimmy.. but thanks for the sentiment!
