On behalf of Bees United I have been asked to comment on the piece by Brentford FC (BFC) Director, Doug White, posted on the Club website on Monday.
To be honest I am reluctant to do so because I believe that public debate should be about the important issues that we have to deal with rather than comments on personalities.
Bees United has the support of the Chairman and BFC board for its plans to acquire the majority shareholding in the Football Club, and is currently fully focused on achieving this.
As I commented in the Bournemouth matchday programme on 29 October it is essential that Bees United and the Club board have a true partnership approach in the overall management of the Club. We are fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead and are planning accordingly.
My recent comments that have attracted attention were related to the financial position of the Club, which has resulted in Bees United having to raise over £1 million more than the £4.5 million called for in the business plan agreed with the Club's Finance Director in order to acquire the majority shareholding. This is a fact and the financial details are contained in the Circular recently issued by the Brentford FC board to its shareholders.
I am sorry if it is felt that any public statements have been used by others to provoke disharmony at a time when we all need to pull together and I will always totally condemn any personal attacks on individuals who are working for the benefit of the Club and doing what they believe is right.
Life is difficult enough and we need to work as a united team, as we have been striving to do, for the benefit of Brentford.
I would like publicly to clarify one thing – Lionel Road is still the first choice site for a new stadium and important discussions are ongoing to progress this.
Doug White is a Brentford fan who has made a valuable contribution in the commercial and development areas at the Club. His promotion of the Lionel Road project captured the attention and support of powerful politicians at local, regional and national level. His vision and creativity for the potential improvements to Griffin Park have given hope that the Club can be viable in the years until a new stadium is completed. His relationships with existing and potential commercial sponsors are invaluable.
At a time when, as Doug himself has said, we should all be focusing on the positive, his recent public remarks have been very disappointing.
Brian Burgess
Chairman