Worcester City board spell out future plans

Worcester City have issued a statement from its Board of Directors.

The statement reads: “Supporters will be aware of the statement released by the club on 10th February 2017. As part of this original statement the Board set out the four objectives.

“It highlighted the need to return to play matches in the City (either in a temporary or permanent home) at the earliest possible opportunity by working closely with the City Council and other partners. This remains fundamental to the club`s future ambitions and is a vision which it believes all supporters share. The Board is therefore continuing to pursue relentlessly with all partners.

“The Board believes that a rationalisation of the current operating costs (including the Playing Budget) is necessary, as is the need to bring forward a break-even budget for next season (and future seasons). The losses which the Football Club has incurred in previous seasons and is likely to incur this season need to be mitigated. The sole reason for this rationalisation is to ensure that the club`s remaining funds are protected to help support its return to Worcester.

“There have been some player movements this week and there will continue to be others (both in and out) as the management team look to rationalise the playing squad.

“This rationalisation of costs has led to speculation about the club`s ambitions for this and future seasons.

“Supporters should not be under any illusion about the level of funds needed to compete in the second tier of non-League football. The affordability of football at this level continues to be evaluated by the Board as it looks to the future. However, now, supporters can be re-assured that the Board has not applied for voluntary relegation from the National League. Its immediate ambition is to remain competitive for the remainder of this season and to retain its National North status.

“A Director attended Thursday night`s training session to update the players on the current situation so that they are fully aware of the Board`s intentions and ambitions. The management team and playing squad are fully focussed on the job they have on the pitch and the Board of Directors and all supporters owe it to them to give them our complete and undivided support.

“The Board is keen to meet with the Supporters Trust to discuss the Board`s intentions and for the Supporters Trust to outline how they propose to work with the Football Club. Efforts were made to arrange a meeting during this week, but despite the best efforts by both parties it was not possible to find a suitable date this week. However, it is hoped that the meeting will take place on Monday.

“Supporters can be assured that the Board is fully committed to preserving the long-term future of this proud football club and would urge everyone to put aside past differences and work jointly to achieve this”.

Source: www.footballconference.co.uk