I hope this message reaches you in good health, and that you have fully recovered from the exciting celebrations that took place last weekend at Twickenham and here in Northampton. After the dust has settled, I wanted to reach out to all our supporters following the end of a remarkable season that will be remembered for a long time.
Since last Saturday, I have been wearing a constant smile on my face. It has been an emotional week after our victory in the Gallagher Premiership Final, where we lifted the league trophy for the first time in ten years. We are thrilled to be able to call ourselves ‘Champions of England’ once again, and I am immensely happy for the players, coaching staff, Club employees, and of course, our loyal supporters who were able to share and celebrate that moment with us.
The final game was undoubtedly a stressful one, possibly the most nerve-wracking 80 minutes of rugby I have ever witnessed. The hard work and dedication that has been put in over the past few years to achieve success on the field was evident, and I am sure many of you felt the pressure in those final moments of the match. The feeling of relief mixed with elation was palpable, and seeing the celebrations at the end was truly special for everyone involved with the Club.
The parade that took place last Sunday was a fantastic event. The overwhelming support we received from our fans was truly heartwarming. Seeing thousands of people lining the streets of Northampton and gathering in front of the Guildhall helped us realize the magnitude of what we have achieved. It exemplified the strong bond between our community and the Club. I want to express my gratitude to everyone who joined us in celebrating the team and making that day unforgettable.
As we head into the summer months, Franklin’s Gardens will quiet down as our players and coaching staff take a well-deserved break. However, our focus remains on the future, and we are already planning to ensure that the upcoming season is as successful as the last one. Building on success is crucial, and we are determined to keep moving forward and not wait another decade to lift the trophy.
While we have said goodbye to some influential players, we have re-signed many and brought in new talent to strengthen the squad. The age profile of our team is promising, and the strong Academy pipeline provides a solid foundation for future success. Our commercial performance has also improved, thanks to the support of our partners and the success on the field generating additional revenue for the Club.
I cannot forget to mention our dedicated staff at Saints, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make all of this possible. Their commitment and talent are invaluable to our success, and I am incredibly proud of everyone associated with the organization. We are grateful for the ongoing support of our partners, whose contributions have been instrumental in our achievements.
As we look ahead to the new season, we are excited about what the future holds. Our players will return for preseason training in July, and we are already preparing for the upcoming matches. We are committed to leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to ensure the Club continues to progress and thrive in the 2024/25 season. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Franklin’s Gardens soon.