The months ahead and probably the next year or two are certainly going to be challenging for our club. Whilst the National League announcement of two weeks ago that ended the 2019/20 season gave some welcome clarity, there are still many unknowns on the football front.
Clearly the priority for us all at this moment in time is the health and safety of everyone, but nevertheless we have to plan ahead as best we can in these ever changing and uncertain times.
Whilst we are still awaiting an announcement from the National League on how the season ended will be determined, in the short term, Leamington FC will be unaffected as we sit outside both the promotion and relegation positions. Moving forward to next season is a total unknown. Will there be promotion or relegation for the season ended? What will the EFL do? Will clubs go out of business in the interim? How many clubs will there be in the National League North? Quite simply, at this moment in time we have no answers and no idea when football could potentially return.
As stated in our previous club update on Covid-19, the Board of Directors made the decision not to approach fans for any financial support at this early stage of the pandemic as we were of the view that you all had other priorities with regard to your health, safety, well being, work and financial situation.
The club’s financial team have efficiently minimised outgoings where possible, but there are still some considerable expenses we need to pay regularly. A few staff has been furloughed, whilst all activity across the club has ceased with the exception of our groundsman Idris Elms who is currently carrying out pitch reparation supported by former director Nigel Hodgkins.
You will be pleased to hear that the player’s and management have played their part in accepting wage reductions for the last seven weeks of the season for which the Board of Directors offer our sincere thanks for their co-operation and understanding.
You fans have been very supportive too with not one request thus far from any individual for any refunds on season tickets, plus numerous enquiries asking what could be done to help the club financially and with offers of donations. Our current thoughts are that we will address issues of potential refunds, season tickets for Season 20/21 and what financial support you can give, once we have greater clarity from the National League on processes and timelines for the league. We anticipate that we will be able to come back to you with a more meaningful update in the next few weeks.
Programme Awards
One great piece of news this week is that our Programme Editor, Sally Ellis and her team of contributors won the Soccer Club Swap Shop "The Catalogue” Programme Award Season 2019/20 for the National League North and finished joint second with Chelmsford City behind winners Stockport County in the national competition that comprises clubs within the entire Non League Pyramid.
This is a truly wonderful achievement on the part of Sally and her team who are all volunteers. They continually strive for excellence and produce a match programme that is envied by many clubs. We thank you all for your considerable efforts.
Our continuing message to you and your loved ones is to keep safe and adhere to Government guidelines. By doing so, you will save lives.
Jim Scott
Chairman
On behalf of Board of Directors
