Sam Ricketts writes a letter to the Salopian family.
The current outbreak of COVID-19 is unprecedented for the world and has caused a great deal of uncertainty. Scientists are starting to understand the virus and how it spreads and are looking into how to stop it. The primary focus of everyone in our communities is to look after our families, friends and all those around us, and to look out for each other. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by the virus so far, and for those who have already lost loved ones in such a tragic way.
The current Government advice to stay at home and to wash your hands regularly are vital points that we should all stick to over the coming weeks to help stop the spread of the virus. As the situation worsens it is vital that we take the requirement for social distancing seriously - please do your bit to maintain this. The amazing people of our NHS deserve our full support and we all have a part to play in this. I would like to take this opportunity to thank every one of them for their truly heroic efforts.
It’s inspiring to see how the Salopian community has demonstrated a strong resilience and pulled together in recent times, first with the flooding and now with this pandemic. The different areas of the club too have pulled together with the Media department putting out memorable games from the past, the Academy showcasing the talent we have in the age groups with their daily challenges, and the Community team finding new and innovative ways to continue supporting the region. It demonstrates just how strong our club is, full of determined, resourceful people - something we can all be proud of.
The EFL, FA and Premier League have suspended all football matches until May at the earliest. The players have been at home with daily programs to keep their fitness up, and it has been an opportunity to evaluate other ways in which this difficult time can present opportunity. It is the collective intention of the players and staff that when we are able to get back out there that we are ready to bring pride and togetherness back to us all.
As a football club, we are at the centre of the community, Brian Caldwell and Jamie Edwards have already spoken about how the club is looking to help our communities in Shrewsbury, and Shropshire. I echo those thoughts, and if there is anything that the players, the staff or myself can do to help, we will try to do that.
The message is clear; we are all responsible for doing our bit to help the country through this tough time, and to beat this virus.
If we all stick together, we can do this. Please stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you back at Montgomery Waters Meadow as soon as possible.
Your Manager,
Samuel Ricketts.