[expatriate]

Yerself - and others. I feel i have to just clarify that there is absolutely NO CONNECTION - NONE WHATSOEVER between the BBC article that appeared a few days ago, and my stepping down from the Chairmanship and distributing my shares.

The BBC article on racism was actually the product of an extensive interview with the BBC reporter many months ago. I had no idea that it would appear on the day it did, and frankly I have my misgivings about the headline which is rather shrill and toneless. Certainly not in line with the usual standards employed by the BBC. The narrative in the body of the article itself is largely fine, so I cant really say too much about the reporter's and editors choice of why they zeroed in on this aspect of the conversation rather than anything else.

Turning back to the matter in hand, the AGM was planned some time back, and my commitment to distribute all of my shares to existing shareholders is now well documented over a 3 year period.

I am sorry that there is a perceived link, but I hope that you will understand that racism is just about the least of my worries at the club or in my personal life, and the article placed a great deal of emphasis on one part of a wide ranging and diverse conversation about many the many positive things that I hold dear in connection with Accrington, the club, and my memories of my beloved home town.

I would just add that I have never felt anything but warmth and support from fans in the ground, and in fact support from the fans has always been almost embarrassingly strong ! I am first and last an Accringtonian and Lancastrian. And proudly so !

with my respectful best wishes to you all,
Ilyas