[expatriate]

Good morning everyone,

some good news just to ensure that the formality is dealt with - the petition is dismissed. I know that the court schedule still had ASFC on the list, but I can confirm that the petition has been withdrawn.

Secondly, the warmth (and yes, yonmon, also affection) that has emanated from you all for such a long time, is very very much recognised, appreciated and gratefully received. Its sometimes difficult to keep everything in perspective, but if you look at the various posts going back thru the past few months, especially when there have been some serious detractors, I have always tried to encourage open-ness. Well, the true test will now start, and I hope and pray that I have the strength to continue to provide the kind of operating transparency with fans and the community at large that needs to be the hallmark of a club such as Accrington that relies upon the community.

I am sure that you will all shout loudly if you think I am veering away from that benchmark. The truth is that ASFC depends upon you and fans at large to survive. Our gates have been very poor for a very long time, and I am under no illusion that changing that fact requires a long time, and has to be something that is led by the club. In this regard I am very optimistic that Dave, who will be in charge of all day to day activities, supported by our magnificent team, will take the events of the past week as a new platform to build upon.

I also know that there will be different opinions. I hope by my actions to show that ASFC is a club which will be able to benefit from these diverse views. I also hope to show that simple courtesy goes a very long way. Please join me in this effort and lets all now build the new chapter that we deserve. Step by little step !

I close this message by again thanking you all for your optimism, irrepresible energy and your undying support for this club. All the threads from yesterday were uplifting. The hard work continues, but I do feel as if the club benefits from hundreds of people who have a stake in its future, and thousands more who pray for our success.

I aim to be there on Saturday, along with Peter and David, and I really do hope that we not only have a large and loud crowd, but that you will come and say hello. Dont be shy. I will be around a little prior to the game, and for sure during half time. I will need to seek permission from the Ultra's, but if they kindly agree, I will even come up and bang the drum for a while.

with my warmest regards and best wishes
Ilyas