Non-League clubs close

NON-LEAGUE CLUBS CLOSE
From www.footballeconomy.com

The past couple of weeks has seen more non-League clubs close. There are usually
special factors in each case, but what is perhaps surprising is that the
majority of the recent examples are in prosperous towns in southern England
where the recession has struck less hard. In general, however, non-League clubs
are vulnerable to cash-flow problems and often do not control their own grounds.

Take the case of Hellenic Leagues side Bicester Town. They were evicted from
their Oxford Road ground by the Bicester Sports Association. This hardly seems
a very sporting thing to do, but the Sports Association argues that there were
doubts about the financial standing of the football club and its ability to meet
its commitments. Another factor appears to be the wish of the Sports
Association to sell Oxford Road and relocate elsewhere, although comments in the
local paper suggest that the whole matter is more complex than may appear to be
the case.

Bicester is a prosperous and expanding town just a few miles from the M40. In a
way that may be part of the problem as the town has many incomers who are often
long distance commuters. They may not identify with a lower-level non-League
club while London and its Premiership sides can be reached in an hour by train.

Andover Town are another club with a long history that are to be wound up. The
Evo-Stik League Southern South and West side were formed 128 years ago. The
club does not have large debts and their ground is owned by the local council
but the decision was taken after chairman Martin Moody quit shortly after
arriving. The club's vice-chairman commented, 'the club can't just move
forward; no-one can without a massive benefactor these days.' (I would beg to
differ: the third tier non-League club I am involved with thrives on the efforts
and money of a large number of people in accordance with a community ethos).

Saffron Walden Town have decided to pull out of the Ridgeons (Eastern Counties)
League First Division. In their case the reason is rather unusual. The ladies'
team, which share their Catons Lane ground, are establishing their own new base,
backed by the local town council. The club fears that without the income from
the women's teams, the club would not be able to sustain itself.

Evo-Stik League One South Hucknall Town are also in trouble although this time
it's the more conventional problem of an outstanding GBP4000 VAT bill. For now
the club is carrying on, although it can't pay its manager or players.
Incidentally one thing I learnt from this report is that Revenue and Customs now
has a special task-force dealing with football clubs which indicates the scope
of their problems and the Revenue's intention to give them priority.