Really I do have to apologise to you, our fantastic supporters, sponsors and shareholders. This year everyone at the club, starting with me, has let you down. You deserve better. The best can do is survive and finish eleventh in the GUINNESS PREMIERSHIP.

This is not acceptable.

On Monday all of the directors and senior management will conduct a major review of the club’s playing performance. We have obviously given this much thought. We cannot continue the way we are. We crave for success on the park and we need a coaching structure and a playing culture that can provide that. Whatever happens today, on Monday we start to re-group and build a winning team that you can be proud of.

This is my pledge to you.

I of course can’t do this without your help. There’s an old African saying: “If you want to travel fast, walk alone; if you want to travel far, walk together”. We want to travel far – we must stay together. Every other club in the Premiership is envious of our facilities and our support. Please renew your season ticket and keep supporting the team.

This is my plea to you.

Let’s give all of that a rest for a minute and concentrate on today’s game and give a really big welcome to London Irish and all of their supporters. I’m a big fan of London Irish and everyone connected with their club. I’ve read in the press that Irish have nothing to play for today and that they will lay down and let us walk all over them. Believe me there will not be an ounce of truth in that.

They have a fantastic record against us, particularly here at Franklin’s Gardens, and shattered our dreams in the Tetley’s Bitter Cup final at Twickenham a few years ago. They are all professional players who want to win any game. We won’t ask for any quarter and none till be given.

One of the bright spots this year for the Saints has been our performances in the Heineken European Cup. There have been trips to Parma in Italy, the Scottish Borders, Biarritz and San Sebastian with the odyssey finally coming to an end last weekend at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry. Our lads gave their all but on the day Wasps were a stronger and better side and we can have no complaints.

A famous rugby anthem starts with these words: “Now is the hour for us to say goodbye.” We have to say goodbye to some players who will be leaving this great club. Top of the list is Don White, who died a week ago today. Don played 448 games for the Saints, 14 times for England and went on to be England coach. He was also very influential at the Old Scouts, the local club that produced Ben Cohen and Steve Thompson.

Don was always his own man. I remember the special meeting that was called at the Moathouse to agree my taking over the club. Six hundred and something for the motion, two against – Don and Ron Jacobs, two of my childhood heroes. In recent years Don and I became good friends. He was rightly elected as on of the first legends to be inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame.

Two other players leave this year through injury. Steve Thompson and David Quinlan, both of whom laid their bodies on the line for us. Steve, of course, has been magnificent. A great player for us, England, the Lions, and of course a World Cup winner. There’s nothing more to say. I wish them both well.

Obviously other players are leaving this year. To them I say thank you; you now join the illustrious band of warriors who have been proud to wear the green, black and gold.

So as three o’clock approaches, both eyes on the pitch, one ear to the mobile phone as we keep in touch with what’s happening at Sixways. I have asked all the players and coaches to cone to the Rodber Suite and have a drink with the supporters after the game. Obviously they need half an hour or so to have a shower and change, but they will be there. So will I.

Keep the faith.