|
Post by superman on Mar 18, 2020 21:11:08 GMT
Perhaps a flexible Cestrian 10 type offer which can be used for any home fixture if played to complete this season and the balance for any home fixtures next season, not necessarily consecutively. I would imagine most season ticket holders would not seek any refund should the season be curtailed without completion, and many would renew at the earliest opportunity.
|
|
|
Post by Harry Lime on Mar 19, 2020 8:06:27 GMT
We clearly have some money generating intiatives either in hand or planned for the short term. But given that we are not that far from when the season would have ended perhaps an earlier than usual season ticket sale for the next season whenever that will begin, would be one way of getting ready cash into club during this crisis? Maybe. But selling next season's tickets to fund this season is a proven way of going broke in the medium to long term. Half of our revenue comes from season ticket sales. They allow us to set a budget and sign players. Agreed these are exceptional times though. If possible, I'd prefer to raise money to cope now and start next season with a full budget pot.
|
|
|
Post by Neil Hunt Nonsense Potter on Mar 19, 2020 9:13:06 GMT
We clearly have some money generating intiatives either in hand or planned for the short term. But given that we are not that far from when the season would have ended perhaps an earlier than usual season ticket sale for the next season whenever that will begin, would be one way of getting ready cash into club during this crisis? The club have a couple of pay days upcoming in season ticket sales and 2 new kits/training gear, but to use this now to fill a gap created would just shove the problem further up the road. I know that the club is launching something that will enable the supporters to help prop the club up short term, and seem to be embracing the supporter base with social media content. As supporters it is something we all need to get behind, as is the Easter raffle. If we all bought an extra £10 worth of them it all makes a difference. I would also be cuddling our sponsors and commercial partners at this time, certainly our major ones in MBNA, Swettenhams Chemists, Exacta, Swansway and the various other great local companies who help. These are the people who support us year long, and I am sure they will help where they can during what will be a horrendous few months.
|
|
|
Post by Churton Blue on Mar 19, 2020 10:04:14 GMT
We clearly have some money generating intiatives either in hand or planned for the short term. But given that we are not that far from when the season would have ended perhaps an earlier than usual season ticket sale for the next season whenever that will begin, would be one way of getting ready cash into club during this crisis? Maybe. But selling next season's tickets to fund this season is a proven way of going broke in the medium to long term. Half of our revenue comes from season ticket sales. They allow us to set a budget and sign players. Agreed these are exceptional times though. If possible, I'd prefer to raise money to cope now and start next season with a full budget pot. That is 100% spot on. Your suggestion makes far more sense to me.
|
|
|
Post by arthurmorris on Mar 19, 2020 13:43:23 GMT
We clearly have some money generating intiatives either in hand or planned for the short term. But given that we are not that far from when the season would have ended perhaps an earlier than usual season ticket sale for the next season whenever that will begin, would be one way of getting ready cash into club during this crisis? The club have a couple of pay days upcoming in season ticket sales and 2 new kits/training gear, but to use this now to fill a gap created would just shove the problem further up the road. I know that the club is launching something that will enable the supporters to help prop the club up short term, and seem to be embracing the supporter base with social media content. As supporters it is something we all need to get behind, as is the Easter raffle. If we all bought an extra £10 worth of them it all makes a difference. I would also be cuddling our sponsors and commercial partners at this time, certainly our major ones in MBNA, Swettenhams Chemists, Exacta, Swansway and the various other great local companies who help. These are the people who support us year long, and I am sure they will help where they can during what will be a horrendous few months. Sponsors and would be sponsors will have their own cash flow problems so the club will have to make major efforts to retain current and win new financial sponsors as it will be a horrendous period for them as well.
|
|
|
Post by Neil Hunt Nonsense Potter on Mar 19, 2020 13:45:45 GMT
The club have a couple of pay days upcoming in season ticket sales and 2 new kits/training gear, but to use this now to fill a gap created would just shove the problem further up the road. I know that the club is launching something that will enable the supporters to help prop the club up short term, and seem to be embracing the supporter base with social media content. As supporters it is something we all need to get behind, as is the Easter raffle. If we all bought an extra £10 worth of them it all makes a difference. I would also be cuddling our sponsors and commercial partners at this time, certainly our major ones in MBNA, Swettenhams Chemists, Exacta, Swansway and the various other great local companies who help. These are the people who support us year long, and I am sure they will help where they can during what will be a horrendous few months. Sponsors and would be sponsors will have their own cash flow problems so the club will have to make major efforts to retain current and win new financial sponsors as it will be a horrendous period for them as well. Bang on. That was sort of what I meant.
|
|
|
Post by avfo on Mar 19, 2020 14:37:22 GMT
Statement issued by FCUM -
Following Monday’s suspension of the Northern Premier League schedule, the club has been working on contingency planning in what is an unprecedented period for everyone.
This has been made even more difficult by the uncertainty over when things will return to normal but assumptions have to be made and we are working to a scenario that the 6 remaining home games will not be played, and we will not resume until September. Clearly we hope otherwise but we must plan for that eventuality.
In the short term the club stands to lose the majority of its income during some of the busiest months of the year, be that from ticket, food, beverage and merchandise income; functions such as weddings; 3G pitch hire; commercial activities such as photoshoots; and a potential suspension of our academic academy program.
We have proven that we have run a tight ship in financial terms, both on and off the field and with Neil Reynolds not only working within budget, but over-achieving on his key performance measures, FC proudly sitting second in the league as we headed into the last few weeks of what has been for many, one of the most satisfying and enjoyable seasons in the clubs history.
Thanks to the hard work of many staff, volunteers and supporters the club has considerably improved its financial position over the last 12 months to the extent that we can face this crisis with confidence that we can get through it. We are still working hard to mitigate some of these financial impacts and we will come back to members with further information in the next few days. Our priority for now is to get this club through the difficult months ahead whilst doing the best we can for our wonderful staff who, like everyone in this industry, are worried about what the future may hold.
As of Thursday those members of staff who can work from home will be doing so and there will be reduced staffing at Broadhurst Park with phone lines diverted to staff mobiles during office hours. Please bear with us if service is affected. We are aware that for many people there are very difficult times ahead, and the health of our fans, their family and friends, and all playing and non-playing staff is absolutely paramount.
Despite indications that we will not be able to resume football in the short term, the season currently remains suspended and not cancelled. Following a meeting with Neil and assistant manager Brian Richardson earlier this week, the decision has been taken to not to bring players in for training due to government advice until further notice. Neil and the players put a huge emphasis and take pride in their fitness, so they have been asked to treat the next three weeks as pre-season so if/when the league does resume they are ready to go.
We would like to put it on the record that as a club we wholeheartedly thank Neil, the coaching staff and all the players who have represented the club so magnificently this season. We are proud of everyone of you and can’t put into words our gratitude for your professionalism, graft and how you have embraced our clubs values and ethos.
FC United recognise that the league’s management committee face making decisions of an unprecedented nature, perhaps even about how to manage promotion and relegation or whether to void the season in full. There is little chance of a decision being possible that will satisfy all. It is our strong belief that in these difficult times the league must make decisions for the good of all its clubs without fear of legal action or other repercussions, and as such we will accept any decision that the league reaches in this regard.
Supporters have been asking what they could do to help.
Season tickets for next season will go on sale on Thursday priced the same as last season and with an opportunity to spread the cost over several months. We would encourage supporters to renew/buy their season tickets as soon as possible as the club will be reliant on this income over the next few months when most other funds have dried up. If supporters buy season tickets in the numbers we had been anticipating and with similar donations we will ride out this period. If more of you are able to buy or increase your donations we will start building for next season.
As a result of this crisis, and depending on its length, we anticipate being close to £100,000 behind the targets we had set unless we get significant government or football help. We will come to supporters in the next few days with a target we would like to meet in donations to put us back on a strong footing to compete for next season but in the meantime anyone wanting to help can donate through this link.
Our non-contract players will be paid until the end of this week and again if/when football resumes per the registrations they signed. There were 5 weeks of the season remaining and there is now a strong likelihood that these will not be played. The club can not afford to make extra payments to players at these times but we will look to provide one week’s wages from pre-season friendlies revenue for those who’ve lost out.
In the meantime we would like to ask our supporters if they can help our players. We suggest that 100 supporters donating £10 each into a player pot for the next 5 weeks would see them pick up a sum equivalent to one-third of what they would have received. This fund will be capped at this figure as the club needs donations of its own. We will look to get a donation link up in the next 24 hours for supporters who wish to donate to this initiative.
When we know further information we will let you all know.
In the interim, while physical gatherings are impossible, please keep in touch with us and each other via our social media channels
FC United Official Twitter FC United Official Facebook FC United Official Members Only Forum Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter
Finally if you aren’t a member, please consider becoming one with the current membership period running until the end of June. You can take out membership by ringing 0161 769 2005
Stay safe and see you again at Broadhurst Park as soon as it is possible. Thank you
Statement from Rhyl FC -
BLEAK FUTURE FOR THE LILYWHITES
With the suspension of the domestic Welsh football season announced on Friday 13th March following the escalation of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the reality of the stark financial situation for Rhyl Football Club has been hammered home with the likelihood of no significant income for the rest of the season and the key post season month of May when the club maximises the famous Belle Vue pitch, however the many bills and fixed costs will continue to be required to be paid.
Supporters over Christmas heard that the club had fixed operating costs of close to £5k per month with a significant part of that made up of the monthly rent payments for their historic home of Belle Vue, its home since 1901.
This scenario leaves Rhyl Football Club in a position whereby the next few months will see the club’s debts increase and with no ground ownership its financial situation in the short term may well mean that its long-term survival is in real jeopardy – since the open meeting in December this issue has now accelerated rapidly due to the current Coronavirus situation.
Rhyl’s Chairman Paul Higginson stated that “following our openness and honesty in December, Adam and myself wanted to continue being completely transparent as this is arguably the bleakest situation the club has been in for over 25 years, Without significant external investment or clarity on whether the national emergency funding may assist sports clubs during this unprecedented period the ability for Rhyl Football Club to resume playing duties is now seriously under threat. This is a situation which I’m sure many other clubs are facing. However, the nature of the ground ownership for Rhyl FC means that our problems are multiplied.”
He added “the clock is now ticking for the Club, we simply don’t have the financial resources to keep things going. Since our December open evening the response from the supporters and local community has been magnificent with fundraising events being held and individuals coming forward to help the club with maintenance tasks. However, the current advice regarding gatherings and social distancing means that these types of fundraising events together with other ground related options now removed from the club leaves a bleak future ahead.”
In terms of the ground he added that “the rent for the ground remains the single largest cost for the Club, the payment we make is well above market rent and this places a handicap on the club. With the lease nearing its end, being unable to access ground related grants and the current financial difficulties ,means that the club’s options are now extremely limited.”
The Club reported in February that a response had been received from the owner, but Paul Higginson confirmed that “with four years remaining on the lease the owner appears reluctant to commit to meaningful talks now with regards to the offer submitted which was well above market value for the ground.”
In reality Paul Higginson suggested that “without clarity on external financial support for sports clubs or support from an investor, the only option may be to unfortunately call time on Rhyl Football Club and then who knows what would happen then, perhaps a new team may emerge, like CPD Bangor 1876, but in all likelihood the proud past of Rhyl Football Club may well be consigned to the history books. If the current club cannot continue and a new club is formed, then I hope that Belle Vue is retained as the centre of football for all ages in Rhyl and its community. The sporting covenants have preserved football at Belle Vue since the turn of the last century and raising funds to purchase the ongoing running of the club would be more likely to succeed if we had the option of purchasing the ground - that decision of course is in the hands of the current owner of the ground."
'
|
|
|
Post by trev on Mar 19, 2020 15:00:18 GMT
We clearly have some money generating intiatives either in hand or planned for the short term. But given that we are not that far from when the season would have ended perhaps an earlier than usual season ticket sale for the next season whenever that will begin, would be one way of getting ready cash into club during this crisis? Maybe. But selling next season's tickets to fund this season is a proven way of going broke in the medium to long term. Half of our revenue comes from season ticket sales. They allow us to set a budget and sign players. Agreed these are exceptional times though. If possible, I'd prefer to raise money to cope now and start next season with a full budget pot. We clearly are in exceptional times and need a combinational of finantial intiatives to bridge a huge finantial hole. Unpallatable options which in normal circumstance would need to avoided are now being considered by other fan owned clubs , as reported by Avfo.
|
|
|
Post by Hannibal on Mar 19, 2020 16:12:18 GMT
We clearly have some money generating intiatives either in hand or planned for the short term. But given that we are not that far from when the season would have ended perhaps an earlier than usual season ticket sale for the next season whenever that will begin, would be one way of getting ready cash into club during this crisis? This was what Rangers were doing and look where that got them.
|
|
|
Post by trev on Mar 19, 2020 20:05:20 GMT
We clearly have some money generating intiatives either in hand or planned for the short term. But given that we are not that far from when the season would have ended perhaps an earlier than usual season ticket sale for the next season whenever that will begin, would be one way of getting ready cash into club during this crisis? This was what Rangers were doing and look where that got them. Lets hope that we are only having a hypothetical discussion. The actions fron FCUM above suggest otherwise.
|
|
|
Post by waggoner on Mar 19, 2020 20:47:53 GMT
This was what Rangers were doing and look where that got them. Lets hope that we are only having a hypothetical discussion. The actions fron FCUM above suggest otherwise. It's a sad fact that many clubs will not survive this. Most EFL clubs are living hand to mouth. I would imagine that the sugar daddy clubs will struggle due to 'said sugar daddy' struggling to make ends meet. you just watch over the next couple of months; many clubs EFL/non league will be laying people off, cutting wages and in a few cases going out of business. Football will survive but many clubs will be damaged and some of the damage will take years to put right. I have had a look on other clubs forums and a general theme is ''lets start selling season tickets now to get the money in the bridge the gap'' Robbing peter to pay paul is a sure way to ruination. The impact will just move on to next season
|
|
|
Post by jb on Mar 19, 2020 20:50:19 GMT
Would be great if the club did some unique grand raffle with the winner getting the chance to play in a friendly or something similar.
|
|
|
Post by everhopeful on Mar 19, 2020 21:11:09 GMT
Just received a batch of Easter raffle tickets. We can all do our bit by selling/ buying a few. The club will post some out if you get in touch and you send back a cheque and stubs. I'm afraid the buck stops with all of us if we want a club to support. No point whingeing later. I bought all 20 tickets myself and posted the cheque and stubs back today. If I win the main prize it’s going straight back into the club in some way.Ditto!!
|
|
|
Post by banksy on Mar 19, 2020 21:30:18 GMT
Evening all..
How's everyone doing?...hope you are all well and taking care at what is a very uncertain time in general.
Firstly, thanks for the support that is being displayed since the postponement of the Boston game.
Suffice to say, there is lots going on behind the scenes at the moment to try and take the club forward and more will follow on that of course, but for now this post is about something that I hope everyone will get involved with on Saturday - all eyes on the official website tomorrow who will bring more on that.
Please spread the word when it's out there.
Thanks, Jeff
|
|
|
Post by Wortleyblue on Mar 20, 2020 16:31:33 GMT
The latest statement from the club on the financial situation link
|
|
|
Post by durdy on Mar 20, 2020 17:00:28 GMT
Problem is majority of the owners ( the fans) are going to be suffering similar hardships and as the saying goes " Charity begins at home" Just wondering how did clubs survive for 6 years during the war ?
|
|
|
Post by boughtonblue on Mar 20, 2020 17:55:35 GMT
Possibly 80% of the wages covered by government?
|
|
|
Post by Harry Lime on Mar 20, 2020 20:35:10 GMT
Possibly 80% of the wages covered by government? Thought the same. If the government do this for restaurants, pubs etc, then football employees should be in the same position.
|
|
|
Post by avfo on Mar 21, 2020 13:38:52 GMT
Possibly 80% of the wages covered by government? Currently this measure doesn't seem to include fixed term contract workers, which I'd of thought included footballers?
|
|
|
Post by Churton Blue on Mar 22, 2020 11:31:16 GMT
Possibly 80% of the wages covered by government? Currently this measure doesn't seem to include fixed term contract workers, which I'd of thought included footballers? That is what I thought. We do have some non football staff so I would expect to get their wages covered. As ever the exact details of such schemes are key so I am sure some people at the club will be finding out what we can do.
|
|
|
Post by Churton Blue on Mar 22, 2020 13:00:57 GMT
|
|
|
Post by Wortleyblue on Mar 23, 2020 12:44:59 GMT
An interesting article in the Cheshire Live and peanuts for the FA link
|
|
|
Post by avfo on Mar 23, 2020 12:45:33 GMT
Blyth Spartans -
Club Statement | Player wages
Like all sports clubs in the United Kingdom, Blyth Spartans AFC is facing an unprecedented situation.
The club has had no income since it’s last home game on February 15th and will have no further income for the foreseeable future.
Wages were paid in full last week but we, therefore, have no other option than to suspend all wage payments to employees forthwith.
The government and the League have announced schemes to assist with this disaster but as of today, none of the schemes are operational.
The club will pursue each funding initiative as it becomes operational and would hope to pay outstanding wages – if funds materialise.
The club’s Executive Committee will do whatever it takes to ensure the survival of Blyth Spartans
The National League has been advised of this action.
|
|