It’s been interesting running the recruitment process and balancing the understandable demands from everyone for more information, with the intricacies and confidentiality around conversations with candidates.
I am sure all clubs deal with the dilemma in different ways.
We brought our interim management team in very quickly in March. At that stage, it was agreed that whatever the outcome, the Club would be conducting a formal recruitment process for a long term manager.
We have had expressions of interest from some very interesting candidates, some of whom are still in their playing seasons and don’t wish to be distracted just yet.
I am expecting there will be formal interviews early next week with a decision and an announcement as soon as possible after that.
There will be an interview panel including one of the three senior football managers who have been advising and guiding us through the initial conversations.
I can only promise at this crucial stage to keep you updated once I have any meaningful information to share.
How are season ticket renewals going?
As you know we launched our renewal period yesterday and have had a very strong start in terms of sales.
I'm pleased that this vital process has now begun, I say 'vital process' because that's exactly what it is. Every one of us wants to make promotion next season an absolute priority - but the planning for that can't begin to happen until we realistically have an idea of what revenue we have and how much we can sensibly budget for.
It would be really helpful if all existing season ticket holders can renew as quickly as possible. Whilst none of us wanted our next campaign to be in League 2, it makes sense that we have deliberately adjusted our pricing to reflect that.
As everyone knows, Inflation is currently soaring at seven per cent. The cost of running our club is rising considerably in areas such as staffing costs, price of food and utility bills. We recognise this is impacting fans as well so freezing prices for existing fans for a limited period makes sense. We are also offering a free monthly payment option which should provide further financial help.
Everyone I speak to is positive about next season so renew quickly and we can make that sentiment a reality.
What else is coming up?
Once we have announced the new manager, I will update on progress in other areas but in the meantime ..
Two massive dates for your diaries.
I'm extremely pleased we are hosting a weekend of activities that underline our status as a community club back in Wimbledon.
On Saturday, May 14, former Dons heroes and celebrities will play a legends' match to support a fantastic local cause – the Time for a Change appeal for St George’s Hospital.
Jeremy Lynch, a world-renowned football freestyle footballer, will be joined by a host of Wimbledon heroes, including Chris Perry, Seb Brown,Jon Main and Dannie Bulman.
The match will kick-off at 2.00 pm and to book your seat just visit our online ticket page.
You can also visit www.timeforachange.org.uk to find out how you can get involved and become an appeal supporter.
After the game, there will be a sell-out gala dinner and auction, also at The Cherry Red Records Stadium, to further boost this marvellous cause.
The following day (15 May) will see us host a Family Fun Day between 10am and 5pm - with all funds going to the Dons Local Action Group.
There’ll be activities for all the family, including live music and interviews with Wimbledon legends (past and present), plus festival-style food stalls, cocktails, and drinks from the Phoenix.
Other attractions include shopping stalls, a picnic area on the pitch, tours of the stadium, fair rides, inflatables, face painting, a sponsored abseil - and the premiere of Wimbledon in Sporting History’s new movie ‘Wombles from the Lane’.
We will also be hosting five-a-side tournaments on the main pitch and beat the keeper games, etc. Just donate a tin of food to enjoy a fabulous day out for another wonderful community cause.