Axminster Town's newly-appointed commercial manager Ray Self has wasted no time in getting his message across that despite the lockdown, due to be lifted on March 29, Tiger Way is very much open for business.

A former player, manager and chairman who spearheaded the move from Sector Lane to Chard Road, providing some of the best facilities in football in the West Country, has rejoined the Tigers with a dual role. As well as taking over the commercial activity at the club, he will also be acting as an ambassador, a role that suits him as one of the most respected characters in football in the area.

Ray is producing a regular newsletter to keep the town's business community and supporters aware of all that's happen in at Tiger Way before the club is allowed to open again.

In the first edition, which is being distributed to all households and businesses in the Axminster area, Ray writes: "I am pleased to say that I am involved with the club again in a dual role of Club Ambassador and Commercial Manager. I am excited about helping those at the club take it forward as we hopefully move out of these difficult times and people realise the benefits of sporting activities to us all but especially for the youth and how we can all play a part in it.

"I have given myself a clear mandate for the work ahead - I want to put the Axminster back into Axminster Town. I don't say that to deride anything that has gone on before, quite the opposite, for I think there's been some excellent club work done by the club, in recent years. But it has struck me that perhaps the club does not draw on the opportunities that being a central core of the community can bring. I am very keen to foster a new strategy where the club is very much part of the town and, in return, the town can feel part of the club."

Chance to become a patron

One of Ray's first initiatives will be to launch the Axminster Town Patron Project where he hopes to encourage people to sign up to be patrons. It's going to cost just £12 per year – or more than that by donation if desired by the prospective patron. All those who sign up will be invited to a Patrons Day which will coincide with a home fixture each season. There will also be a discount on admission price to all home league games and also patrons will have the opportunity to hire the club facilities at a discounted price.

Ray is also looking to increase the advertising around the pitches and site at Tiger Way and will be contacting local businesses to support the club in this way and is looking at other sponsorship projects.

Ray said: "It is unlikely that we will be playing much further football this season, but I look forward to starting again next season and to continue the development of our club and the important part we play in the local community."

Ray can be contacted by email at [email protected] or by telephone on 07596 752845.