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A letter to Fans from the Chief Executive

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Leicester Tigers Chief Executive Officer, Andrea Pinchen, shares an open letter to Fans following the conclusion of the 2020/21 season and announcements of additions and departures within the club's senior coaching ranks.

This is always a bittersweet time of the year, saying farewell to people and welcoming new faces into the club as well...

Firstly, I want to thank Mike Ford, Simon Barbour and all of those players leaving us at the end of the month for their contribution to Leicester Tigers.

Some have been at the club longer than others, but each one of them has given to Tigers – on and off the pitch – and, at this time on the journey we have discussed publicly at length, they have been important in what we are building. 

In addition to those who have been mentioned in press releases and news stories, we also say farewell to some staff and young men and women who held placements with us as students this season.

They have worked tirelessly in the background and I, on behalf of everybody at Leicester Tigers, want to thank them for their efforts. 

Finally, on farewells, I want to mention Dr Martin Newey.

‘The Doc’ or ‘Flat Cap’ as he is affectionately known by supporters, has worked at Leicester Tigers for more than 20 years and his professionalism and personality will be missed. 

I wish Martin and everybody leaving the club all the best for what’s next in their lives, professionally and personally.

While we say goodbye to some, we also look forward to welcoming some exciting additions to Tigers next season.

Kevin Sinfield, who will join Steve Borthwick’s coaching team to run the side’s defence, is someone all Tigers fans can get excited about. 

His record as a player in rugby league is unrivalled and, at a young age, has also held senior coaching and leadership roles which add to the unique perspective Kevin will bring to our club. 

Away from sport, his charity work has been inspiring and to be able to welcome someone of Kevin’s character and integrity to Leicester Tigers is a huge boost as we continue to re-shape the club for long-term success. 

It is exciting to see two of our own, Tom Harrison and Matt Smith, rewarded for their hard work and growth as coaches with new deals. 

Both Tom and Matt took on a huge task at short-notice ahead of this season, stepping into the senior coaching team from the academy programme, and have developed as coaches and people.

We want people at Leicester Tigers who understand what it means to be a part of this club, which Tom and Matt both do, and to be able to see coaches as well as players make their way up the ranks and along the pathway is part of what makes this club so special. 

To our players representing their country in Test rugby this summer, I wish you all the best and look forward to seeing you represent Leicester Tigers on the international stage. 

Steve constantly reminds us all that the hard work is not over and, while we have seen a great improvement on the pitch this season, the journey back to where we want to be as a club is far from complete. 

I know our season ticket holders and all supporters appreciate the incredible efforts of each player, coach and staff member during a challenging year for our club, our game and our community. 

I know everybody at Leicester Tigers appreciates the support, patience and passion of you – the fans – during this period too. 

As well as our fans, we would not have come through the past year-and-a-half without our partners. Your support has been instrumental to the club continuing and improving, and we look forward to seeing those relationships evolve even further in future. 

Finally, and most excitingly, I cannot wait to see everyone back at Mattioli Woods Welford Road next season. 

Enjoy the summer and rest-up. We have a lot more hard work to do. And, we can’t wait to get started.

Andrea Pinchen
Leicester Tigers Chief Executive Officer