Former Managing Director , Neil Armstrong- Mortagbe has called on the Phobian fraternity to unite for common sense of purpose for the progress of the club.
In a passionate statement from the former NCC Chairman and Financial Controller, Neil emotionally appeal to all Hearts of Oak fans and past executives to see sense in uniting for the forward-march of the club.
Below is the full statement:
Fellow Phobians, I present these thoughts as a committed son of Accra Hearts of Oak who believes that our dear club has a tradition worth preserving, and a future worth fighting for.
The last few weeks have been particularly unpleasant for many a Hearts of Oak supporter.
In the wake of our FA Cup final loss to Asante Kotoko, the commentaries and public expressions of disaffection from the rank and file of the club have been very passionate and intensely critical of our leadership.
As I listened to all that was being said about our Glorious Accra Hearts of Oak, I was challenged to share this message with all Phobians.
Our club has seen turbulent times in the past. The roots of the Oak tree have been shaken before. We have disagreed passionately with each other before. But this tradition has survived even worse situations than we see today.
True, no Phobian can be happy in these times. But whilst our pain is understandable, I believe it is absolutely important that we recognise the immense contributions of Phobians, past and present.
I am certain that every single Board member of Hearts of Oak is as passionate as every supporter. Phobians may differ in our views as to how the club should be run but surely, the desire for Phobian success must be the same!
If that is indeed the case, then I appeal to us to look into the future with a focus on using our diversity to create fresh bonds of fellowship.
That’s how we build a strong spirit of united support for the club.
We ALL have our faults. I have mine and regret how a couple of missteps on my part adversely affected our club some seasons ago.
But we need to move on and do all we can to preserve the heritage bequeathed to us by our founding fathers and past generations of Phobians.
I respectfully opine that There is NO PERFECT SYSTEM OR CLUB in this world. What is CRITICAL IS HOW WE HARNESS OUR STRENGTHS, WORK ON OUR WEAKNESSES AND BELIEVE IN EACH OTHERS’ WILLINGNESS TO BUILD A STRONGER HEARTS OF OAK. We have been successful when we have united around a COMMON PURPOSE.
I pray for our beloved club…… that we all bury our personal feelings and rededicate ourselves to the service of Glorious Hearts of Oak.
THIS CLUB IS BIGGER THAN ANY SINGLE INDIVIDUAL.
Where we differ, let’s seek paths to bridge the gaps and pull effectively in the direction of MOVING HEARTS OF OAK FORWARD.
May God grant us the wisdom to navigate these turbulent times.
ONE PHOBIA! NEVER EVER SAY DIE!!
Source: Neil Armstrong
