Asked about his intentions as the club comes to terms with the fact it will be playing NPL football for the first time since the National League expanded in 2004, he replied: “The goal is crystal-clear — promotion.
“It’s very easy to get caught in a vicious circle of doom and gloom. There are many clubs that have not been able to stop the rot. Our goal is not just to stop the rot, but to rebuild and start a new virtuous spiral.
“We want to put together a squad that will succeed. Our manager, Steve Burr, is also of the view that he wants to do it the right way. He still wants to play it on the deck and entertain the fans with free-flowing football.
“So the board has unanimously agreed to give him the same budget as this season to achieve that objective.
“We will, of course, be significantly worse off financially after our relegation, but such is the desire to return at the first attempt that we don’t want to get in to the vicious spiral of cutting the budget, getting poorer players, losing matches, getting lower gates, so cutting the budget and so on.
“I’ve spoken to Steve and he’s already on the case for bringing in new faces and he’s absolutely determined to hit the ground running next August. His drive and passion are clear to see and no one should be in any doubt that his goal is instant promotion.
“Having said that, it won’t be easy. Without sounding condescending, some teams will raise their game against Altrincham and ourselves, and there will be several out there with big budgets.
“The hard work has already started and although I don’t want another season of revolving doors, there will be new faces arriving before next season. The challenge is to get that right blend of youth and experience and to have a positive team environment where everyone buys in to the goal of winning games and getting promoted.
“It’s truly been a horrible year, on all fronts, but I am desperate to give the loyal fans what they want — and deserve — and that is a successful, hard-working team that puts a smile back on the collective face of Stalybridge Celtic.”
Gorski also revealed that there is little to report on the other major issue affecting the club — the question of whether they leave Bower Fold to move to a new ground close to the town centre on land owned by the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
Discussions are ongoing with Tameside Council but there are still major questions about the viability of the project, let alone a deal that would satisfy both parties.
“I can promise people this — as soon as I hear absolutely anything at all concrete from Tameside Council, the fans will be the first to know,” said the Celtic chairman.
“My understanding is that there was a meeting with the Health and Safety Executive this week and once I get feedback, I will disseminate it that very same day. The fans are the club and they will hear — good or bad news — as soon as I get told.
“Talking of the fans, if we are to succeed next season, it’s really vital that we all stay together and get behind the club. We need to increase attendances and unite as one in our goal to bounce straight back to the Conference North.”
Gorski also revealed why he has not been to as many games as usual at Bower Fold. He explained: “The past 12 months have been some of the saddest of my life.
“I’ve been rocked by several significant family issues, and that meant I wasn’t able to be there to support Steve as much as I’d have liked.
“And, of course, we were relegated. But as much as I want to sit here and cry and feel sorry for myself, I can’t do that.”