It is with great disappointment to everyone associated with Corby Town Football Club that we start 2012 without the Bricks in the Wall scheme having been concluded but the club wishes to assure supporters that they are doing all they can to resolve this matter, as soon as possible.

It is anticipated an order will made this week to manufacture the units and they will be retrospectively fitted to the Peter Mallinger Foundation main stand during the month of January.

Acting Chairman David Mallinger explained: “We are very conscious that supporters feel they have been kept in the dark over this matter. That hasn't been for any other reason than we are very frustrated ourselves by the process and haven't in the past wanted to issue updates that didn't say anything positive.

“However we appreciate and respect people have a right to ask the questions that they are at the moment and whilst we'd prefer to conclude matters privately we wanted to explain where we are.

“We are very sorry for the ongoing delay and fully respect supporters' frustrations, I too have purchased bricks and everyone at the club understands exactly how people feel about this matter.

“When we took over the club we were advised an arrangement had been made with the club sponsors at the time, Tresham, to carry out the building work for us. We were informed this would begin in late June and be completed in time for the first game at the new stadium. 

“Sadly this didn't happen in that timescale and for reasons that will remain confidential and despite continued negotiations, Tresham informed us that they were unable to fulfil this commitment.

“On learning of the situation with Tresham the Council said they would put the building work out to tender on our behalf.

“From the outset a sponsor, who has always been very generous in their backing of the club, agreed to cover the cost of the project so that we could keep the funds generated by the scheme and invest back into the club.

“Regrettably that sponsor informed us in December that they wouldn't be able to provide that funding as anticipated. This couldn't have come at a much worse time owing to the challenge of cashflow in December which is traditionally a month where attendances naturally drop before Christmas but also with a series of away games, limited income would be generated from those games at Steel Park. 

“However we are not going to use that as an excuse for a further delay. We contacted the original supplier that had been earmarked for the manufacture of the bricks when the scheme was set up, with the view of determining a timeline so we could conclude the wall early in New Year. At this stage we were informed they were no longer trading and therefore were unable to help us. 

“Shortly before Christmas we contacted a number of alternative suppliers to get a ball park figure for the manufacturing costs and shortlisted the potential supplier. We went back to those chosen to get a detailed quote and confirmation of timescales, which is where we find ourselves now. 

“Once again, we can only apologise to supporters for the delay taken in getting to this point. We have acted in good faith throughout and are as disappointed as anyone by the way things have transpired. In hindsight we should have communicated developments with you and made sure everyone knew the situation.

“You can rest assured that we are doing all we can to get the bricks in place in the quickest time possible.”

If any supporter remains unhappy by the delay and wishes to receive a refund they are requested to email commercial@corbytownfc.co.uk.