Letter from Club President Neil Howard

Preston Football Club President Neil Howard has penned a letter to past players, members and supporters regarding comments made last week.

Dear All,

Last week (20 August 2025), the Club posted a letter penned by me regarding a number of issues regarding the viability and sustainability of the Club going forward towards season 2026. I also made reference to the audit into the Club’s trading affairs of 2025 including substantial debts incurred (many hidden and undisclosed to this current Board).   

The reference to “hidden and undisclosed debts to this current Board” was a reference to the discovery of a number of unopened emails found on an email address of the Club. To clear any ambiguity of the statement made, it was not an email address operated by former president Mr. Malkoun or former board member Mr. Nikolovski, and to this end, there was no indication made in the document that either Board member was aware of the existence of these “hidden and undisclosed debts”. Furthermore, the purpose of the letter was to advise past players, members and supporters of the Club, who clearly have a right to know, the conduct of the Board and the use of the Club’s finances throughout season 2025.

The letter was not constructed nor issued to denigrate or belittle either Mr. Malkoun or Mr. Nikolovski, and if the letter was interpreted by either, then I unreservedly apologise to both.

Furthermore, there was reference in my letter dated 20 August regarding the responsibility of previous management for the recruitment and signing on of players for season 2025 where effectively expenditure exceeded revenue. Again, this was not a reference that either Mr. Malkoun or Mr. Nikolovski were involved in this football department operation, nor was it implied, as it was well known neither had involvement in the recruitment of players or the decided agreement as to match payments to individual players.

Again, if either gentleman thought the description of previous management being responsible for the recruitment and signing on of players was directed at them, then I further apologise for creating such an ambiguity.

As outlined in the paragraph commencing with the words, “This current Board has identified and cleared many debts from 2024” this reference related to outstanding payments to players, the head coach, attending doctor payments from their attendance at 2024 matches, merchandise companies and medical product suppliers. At no stage was it implied that Mr. Malkoun or Mr. Nikolovski had knowledge of these debts. In fact, the information regarding these debts was obtained from an email address of the Club not associated with either Mr. Malkoun or Mr. Nikolovski.

On 20 May 2025, I sent a letter to all Board members regarding the selfless commitment of Mr. Malkoun, and his personal financial support of the Club. An expression of sincere gratitude was directed to him in light of how he pursued improvement at the Club.

On 14 June 2025 I sent a communication to Mr. Nikolovski which included the following paragraph;

“I apologise to you if you have been offended. It is not directly pointed at your person, but rather your position. It is very similar with Whitlam. Like you, he has given tremendous drive and passion towards the Club.” 

At a supporters and members meeting held at the function room of the football club on 16 June 2025, I commended both Mr. Malkoun and Mr. Nikolovski for their commitment to the football club over the previous two seasons. This was witnessed and heard by a number of supporters and members as well as incoming Board members. Mr. Malkoun was present when the comment was made.

These illustrations outline the respect I have had for both Mr. Malkoun and Mr. Nikolovski.

Yours sincerely,

Neil Howard

President

Preston Football Club