The Thoughts of new Managing Director Mark McGuire

My first programme notes since the announcement was made regarding my appointment as MD, and here we are facing another huge game at Edgeley Park. Looking down the division at the teams scrapping for their lives is a stark reminder of where we were just a year ago, and the progress made since, I'm sure the players will give every ounce they've got, as they have done for the whole season, to earn themselves the rewards that they richly deserve.

For a squad of young men inspired by Jim, Wardy and of course your support, its been an amazing season and has given a real indication of what this club feels like when it starts to pull together.

My appointment may have raised the odd eyebrow, and no doubt the occasionally comment, "Jobs for the Boys" anyone? I can tell you I admire the Board's bravery at making what they see as the right appointment despite the fact that they knew they would open themselves to criticism. The only way that I will reward their faith, and silence any doubters, is by operating professionally and with integrity. These are principles that Jim and I share, and are the base on which we will build the future success of the club, on and off the pitch. We have a responsibility not only to succeed, but to succeed in the right way.

I've talked before about platforms for success, my priority will be to break the business down into its various cost and profit centres and create dynamic business plans for each one. Setting targets, which the individual managers can work towards and on which our progress can be judged.

Football requires new thinking, too many contracts and arrangements exist because "that's how it works in football", and my job will be to judge each and every arrangement on its benefit to Stockport County.
I will put in place structures and systems which make us more efficient, and strategies which will bring gradual but sustainable growth in the business.

One of the main reasons I put myself forward for the job, having initially volunteered to be part of the recruitment committee (as I had been for the appointment of Jim) was that when I was questioning the first round of candidates, having outlined our vision to them, I felt a personal responsibility welling up in me, a frustration that I wanted to demonstrate what I meant by the job which needed doing. It was after this that I decided I wanted to put myself forward and stood away from the process before being interviewed.

The other major factor was my working relationship with Jim and Wardy, sure it's easy to celebrate the successes, but in these two men, we have individuals whose only concern is the long-term success of the club, we share principles on how that should be achieved and will vigorously defend the need to progress with integrity, intelligence and professionalism.

Add to that the passion of the employees within the club and what you have is an opportunity to truly achieve something very special, a new business model for football clubs where there is transparency, accountability and where all of the benefit comes back into the club.

I will work my heart out on your behalf, as many hours a week as it takes and hope to stand amongst you on a Saturday screaming my lungs out as ever, and for those with concerns about my appointment, the proof will be in what happens next, and the control is that I'll be looking you in the eye - what more responsibility can I have than that?

Being a County fan has its difficult moments, but we share a resilience, a passion and a commitment to the cause, with your help, and that of Jim, Wardy and the boys, we'll build on the progress of this year, not taking things for granted as has happened in the past, but using the opportunities that arise to put in place the building blocks for future success.

I wont let you down!