At this time of year, I would normally be looking forward to a couple of days with the family, before kickstarting the season with a trip to Headingley on Boxing Day.

Alas 2020 has proved to be an extraordinary year, and thus has thrown a very different slant on Christmas.

We have had a record 6 weeks in the Retail Shop, as once again you have supported the Club magnificently. As I discussed on the recent Fans Forum, the support of members has been truly remarkable. Donations from the 2020 season topped £160,000 in total – a magnificent amount!! I also commented that for the 2021 season, I had budgeted for 1000 members to pledge before the season started against our normal 2200, amidst all the difficulties we currently face of when crowds will be allowed back in and money being so tight right now. I’m delighted to say that 961 of you have pledged your ongoing support to Wakefield Trinity, and therefore we are very close to meeting that target with over 10 weeks still to go until the season starts.

The new hummel jersey designs have gone down extremely well and I’m delighted to say we have sold over 1000 shirts pre-Christmas, as well as running out of stock on many of the Hummel lines we have introduced. The entire range seems to have been very well received despite being conceived and planned in a very stressful Covid environment. We will be looking to add new lines as 2021 progresses and we have already designed our ‘Magic’ range. I promise you I didn’t choose the colour!

The players have been back into testing and training this week, and there is a buzz about the place. We have invested in the off field staff with the introduction of Willie Poching and Andy Last, and Ash Robinson has joined the Strength and Conditioning team.

We still continue the search for new recruits but are happy with the squad we already have assembled. I think we are in the luxury position of being able to wait and find the right recruits.

Despite everything going on in the world right now, I believe we must look forward with optimism that conditions will get better. We will beat this virus and get back to some form of normality. There isn’t much to look forward to right now, but hopefully the Spring will bring forward a new world full of hope and peace and harmony.

I hope you all have as great a Christmas as you can. Whether it be in person, or via social media, look after each other and your families. Stay safe.

Merry Christmas,

Michael & Tracy x