A FAREWELL message from Fleur Robinson on her last day at Burton Albion:
As many of you will know, I will be leaving Burton Albion to take up a new position as Chief Executive of Wrexham AFC, but I couldn’t leave without thanking you all for your wonderful support.
It has been an incredible period in Burton Albion’s history and I’m proud of all that we have achieved over the last 25 years both on and off the pitch.
When I joined Burton Albion in the 1994/95 season, we had no real office space, no conference and banqueting facilities, a small stand, 500 fans and a long tradition on the pitch of not winning anything or going anywhere.
It was always going to be a big challenge but with patient steps, a lot of hard work and with some great managers and players we have achieved three promotions, enjoyed two seasons in the Championship (beyond everyone’s wildest dreams) and reached the semi finals of a major cup competition playing Manchester City home and away.
I’m also immensely proud of what we have achieved off the pitch in terms of our community impact. I was the Chair when we started Burton Albion Community Trust and we very quickly established the ethos driven by our Chairman’s drive that has seen the charity grow and flourish. Without that we could never have been in the position we have been during the pandemic to be a vaccination centre and proud as a club to deliver invaluable support to the community.
I have long been a champion of the women’s game and I was delighted to be able to bring Burton Albion Women under the club umbrella and create a pathway for girls to get into the game and develop in a way that mirrors the opportunities for boys.
My passion for developing the potential in young people can also be seen from our Inspiring Your Future programme which is something else I am proud to have created and led.
None of that would have been possible without the backing of our fans, our sponsors, our partners, our staff and volunteers, and of course, always with the invaluable support of our Chairman.
The Academy has developed over the last decade and produced some key club development players over the years and it has been great to watch their journey too.
Every business is only ever as good as the people it employs, and we have been lucky to have some wonderful staff and volunteers here at the club, and for that I am really appreciative and proud.
We always say that Burton Albion is a family club, and you have all been part of that family and we have shared some great times together.
The ethos of this club comes from the Chairman and his vision and values are very rare in this industry. He has always been my guide and inspiration and I am pleased to have his blessing towards my new journey.
I’m sure those great times will continue, and that Burton Albion will always be a welcoming place to come and watch football. I’m sure I will be coming back when time allows to the Pirelli Stadium as a fan and I hope to see you all then.