This season promises to be very exciting in that a number of clubs have invested a lot of money in either infrastructure or players. Inevitably, this means that the League is getting stronger and hopefully at the end of the season we will be in a position whereby we go to the new stadium with our League status intact.

I would also like to welcome back the players who were with us last year and also the new signings. I know Graham Hodgson, Sammy and Mark Lillis have been very busy during the close season to assemble what we believe to be a stronger squad than last season, although this will not make it easier than last season because of the growing strength of the League.

We are looking to maintain the form we had during the second part of last season and get off to a much better start.

As everyone is aware, this will be our final season at Christie Park and it really is the "End of an Era". I know there are still some doubters who feel we should remain at Christie Park but financially this is impossible. The existing ground needs a huge amount of investment and the facilities at the new stadium far outweigh anything we could possibly build at Christie Park. In order for Morecambe Football Club to progress and be financially viable, there is absolutely no alternative other than to move to a new stadium.

It really is an exciting period for both the football club and the town and there will be regular updates on our website and in our programme notes. We have a number of "End of an Era" initiatives to commemorate our last year at Christie Park and these will be publicised well in advance, thereby giving everyone enough time to put the dates in their diaries.

During the close season a lot of time has been devoted to both the new development and for the forthcoming season and I would like to thank my Board of Directors and the many volunteers who have contributed significantly to the progress made so far.

I am sure there are many questions to ask about the new development and to this end I have agreed to an interview with Glen Cooper in the very near future which will firstly be available to view at www.morecambefc.com and also at The Visitor's own website.

We really are looking forward to the challenges of the current season and as Chairman, I am confident that Sammy has put together a stronger squad than last season and look forward to your continued support which will lead us into the new stadium as a Football League club.League club.