Season’s greetings to all our supporters, who would normally be such a central part of a Boxing Day home game – particularly one as anticipated as the visit of Manchester United – as second meets third in the Premier League.
Football has been such an important outlet for people during the challenges of 2020, providing some relief from the events of the world around us. But I know how much being here would have meant to so many of you and the big role football plays in people’s family festivities. It’s been a difficult year, made more difficult for many by tougher restrictions in the UK over Christmas, but I’m sure our communities can come through it stronger. As they have done throughout your absence, I know the team will commit everything to give you a performance of which you can be proud, regardless of the result.
Our first victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was an excellent response to our previous home game and has helped rebuild some momentum ahead of the match. The top of the Premier League is a closely fought contest this season, meaning one result can have a big impact on a team’s position in the table, but we can be highly encouraged by our standing after the first 14 games. Further challenges are on the horizon, starting with the Manchester United game, but we should be confident in our ability to compete.
It’s been a landmark week for Leicester City, following the First Team’s move into our new training ground at Seagrave on Thursday. From the moment we arrived at the Club in 2010, we have been focused on building for the long term, knowing that a new training ground in which our football operation could grow and thrive would be among the most important steps we could take. What we have now is one of the best facilities in world football, an investment in player development that will last for generations and a statement to the world of our ambition for the Club. My thanks to all the staff at the Club that have contributed to its development – you have all helped place a mighty foundation in our long-term vision.
The First Team’s move to Seagrave also represents a big moment for LCFC Women, whose operations will now be based at Belvoir Drive. As a spiritual home for Leicester City for nearly 60 years, Belvoir Drive has become part of the fabric of the Club and I’m delighted that becoming the home of our newly professionalised women’s team will form part of its legacy.
I sincerely hope as many of you as possible have been able to enjoy some of the festive period with your families and I wish you all a happy and healthy 2021.
Aiyawatt SrivaddhanaprabhaChairman