Fernando Lamikiz: ‘We are going to try to be a Board of Directors that is very close to members’.

‘If we know how to take advantage of opportunities, we have ahead of us an excellent future as an institution.’

What are your feelings having just been proclaimed president of Athletic Club?
Satisfaction because we have done our job and have done so willingly throughout the campaign and we have obtained a result that leaves us content, however the most important sensation is the enormous responsibility that involves being in charge of a club with 106 years of history, 35,000 members and thousands of fans to whom we cannot defraud.

Is there anyone you would like to especially express your gratitude; any recollection?
I am quite grateful to all the members of the club, who have followed the electoral campaign. I am thankful to all those that have gone to vote to express their decision with respect to the future of Athletic. To those that did not vote, I would like to say that we are going to try to make an effort so that in following elections they can feel more participative.

What balance do you make of election day with respect to how it was carried out?
It was carried out perfectly. There was an excellent atmosphere at Ibaigane and mainly very good organization and respect towards everyone. I believe that the true Athletic spirit was lived there.

How do you read the results?
First, I would say that participation has been smaller than in other consultations, a fact motivated so much by the dates as, probably, by the development of the electoral campaign itself. Second, the results of our candidacy have been satisfactory, because there has been majority support by members to our program. I would like to say that what we want is to forget the elections, to enter a new stage in which we all work in the same direction and we collaborate in what is truly the Athletic spirit. I would like to thank the willingness of Alberto Pradera and Juan Pedro Guzmán and I have let them know that I am open to their suggestions, ideas and, why not say so, their complaints.

Does the illusion you harboured beforehand turn to responsibility or has it increased?
Now what I have is great responsibility, together with greater illusion, if it fits to say, and our candidacy is going to unfold all its effort and dedication to obtain the best achievements for Athletic.

You have extensive experience in the Club, what institution do you expect to find?
An institution at a very special moment in its history, because important decisions have to be made and the world of football is undergoing a change process. If we know how to take advantage of opportunities, we can have an excellent future ahead as an organisation.

Would you prefer a transition without competitions in the way or were you already used to the idea once you had seen the electoral calendar? The elections were celebrated on 10 September and it is an immovable fact with which we have to accept the existence of a very intense competitive period, but I like that, because one of the most appealing things in sport is competition.

What are the first steps that you foresee taking besides applying the use of the first team shirt for all the categories?
The first steps have been to present myself to the professionals of the club: coaches, players, club employees… to let them know that they are going to always have me at their disposal. After that what we have done is to fix the mechanisms so that the first team and the lower category team play with the striped shirt, the traditional one. In any case we are pending a meeting with the members of the Managing Committee so that they can explain to us the status of the club in its different areas.

Have you thought about the first step with respect to the new pitch? Do you plan to hold a meeting with the mayor of the Villa?
I believe that as far as the new pitch the first thing to do is to speak with the different institutions to create an independent commission that works to develop a report that gathers information about its location, design, cost and its financing. This report will be sent to all the members so that they can make their considerations and return to us with any suggestions.

Could you detail the priorities of your management plan in the sports area?
Most important is to foment the development of Biscayan football and to achieve the consensus of all Biscayan football with the Athletic.

Which will be the measures to adopt with regards to the relations with members?
The first thing that we are going to do is to convey to them from here that we are at their disposal, to receive them biweekly, to take care of their requests and complaints. We are going to try to be a board of directors that is very near to the members and I would personally like that the members see us nearby.

And with regards to Supporters’ Clubs?
We clearly know that we are going to maintain a meeting with all of them in which they can indicate to us the methods that they see appropriate to establish a two-way relationship.

Do you have a set date for the Ordinary Assembly?
Have you considered any parameter of increase in fees or will it be necessary to wait for the financial records in detail? No. We have not thought about the date for the assembly, because we are waiting to have the necessary economic data to be able to explain to the members, with clarity, the economic situation of the club and the budget for the 2004-2005 season.

With regards to the sports aspect, we are faced with a very exciting season… Very exciting. Three competitions exist and I hope that we can be quite competitive in all three and, especially, that in as much in the UEFA Cup as in the Cup we can dispute the matches in the months of April and May, which would be a magnificent sign.

Is the return to European competition an assumable objective for this season?
Personally, I believe that Athletic must compete regularly in Europe as much for sports potential and prestige as for economic potential.

What prognosis do you have for the elimination round of the UEFA Cup?
Whenever Athletic plays I think that it is going to win, wherever it plays.

I am sure the Gurpegi case will end well.

How have your first days as president been?
They’ve been busy days with many things to do and people to see.

Has becoming president of the Athletic been your best moment so far?
I won’t say it was the best. On the one hand I was quite illusioned and on the other hand I felt a great responsibility.

Has your family encouraged you to participate in these elections or they’ve asked you to think about it twice?
I am quite lucky that my family is with me, and we are all very happy. They are all Athletic supporters.

Will you travel with the team?
Yes, this year I will, I’m thinking of doing them all. On the one hand I have to meet other presidents and as there are those that are new to the board of directors, it is logical that we must help them along the way as well.

As you are an attorney,

Do you see a positive outcome in the Gurpegi case?
I am sure that in the end the case will be resolved positively. Everything is on our part.

Do you think you will achieve being a president for all? What is the way? And what’s in the way to achieve that?
The way is to count on everyone and to speak to everyone, we need to hold directors meetings as co-workers and nothing more.

There have been personal problems this year and one just can’t be against each other all the time. It’s obvious that persons come and go but the institution stays.

Should the Athletic be a role model in society as for Basque?
Yes, without doubt. As we are sure you know the “Athletic Bihotzez” project, any opinions? Will the president ever sing?

Will the president ever sing?
The project looks great but as I don’t sing very well, if I actually get to do so, the project would run the risk of becoming worse.