A couple of hours after Messina’s relegation came the words of president Justin Davis. “To the city of Messina, there are no words that can soften what has happened. Messina is relegated, and it is at the end of a season that will remain among the most painful in our history. I know well what this shirt means to you. I know what it means for those who filled the “Franco Scoglio” on days when it would have been easier to stay at home, for those who followed us away, for those who continued to believe when the numbers said otherwise. To all of you, today, As President, I have to apologize. However, I want to be honest on one point, because you should remember this. When we arrived, Messina no longer existed: there was a sporting title to be saved, up for auction, and we were the only ones who said “this city cannot remain without its Messina”. It is a fact.
“And the facts, especially in a moment like this, must be said – continues Davis – Having said that, a club is measured by results. And you know the result. For this reason I assume, in front of you, the responsibilities of the sporting management of this season: the choices, the mistakes, the things that didn’t work. A place like this deserved much more. I want to say thanks to the boys who honored the shirt until the last minute of the play-out in Ragusa, to the technical staff, to the club employees, to the fans who have never stopped being there. Your dignity in these months has been greater than our ranking. From tomorrow we will start again with more malice, with more hunger. And that commitment continues.