Supporters' Forum Minutes
Posted: 26 Aug 2020, 11:31
From the club site -
Club Statement
Statement from Chairman Karen Brookes 26th August 2020
Following the recent fans forum on the 8 August 2020, we wanted to confirm the following items that were discussed and needs clarification:
1. We are all aware of the impact of COVID-19 on the UK economy and the ability of local businesses to continue sponsoring local sports teams in the manner they have previously. The season was null and void due to the pandemic and robbed Halesowen Town of the ability to be promoted back to the Premier league at the first time of asking.
We are asking fans to donate the home match tickets not utilised from their season ticket - worth a maximum of £48 based on last year’s prices, given the Football Club experienced loses during this same period of approximately £45k
2. Given we still have had no firm news on the FA Trophy semi-final and whilst the FA are hoping to go ahead in some form, we are not clear under what circumstances i.e. two leg semi-final (home tickets sold will be valid), one leg semi-final on a neutral ground - behind closed doors or with a restricted number of spectators. Until we are clear on date, time, location and spectators or not, we are not in a position to advise fans on the next steps. An update will be provided as and when we have more information.
To be clear, as outlined at the Fans Forum our losses from this match alone was in the realms of £35k against a fans ticket of £10. Again, should the semi-final not go ahead or take place on a neutral ground with or without spectators we will be asking supporters to donate the £10 they have already spent to assist us in successfully managing what will be a difficult season for us financial, indeed for any grass roots football club.
As all fans will recognise, since Keith and I took over every penny we earn at the football club is reinvested in the ground e.g. brand new changing facilities have been developed, the pitch looks phenomenal and with the sprinkler system installed last season just gets better and better. Importantly the investment that we have made in our management team and players to seek to get automatic promotion to the Central Premier League is significant and reflects the results we achieved last season and the fact that we are currently semi-finalists 2019/20 FA Trophy. Additionally, in order to play football safely this coming season we have had to make modifications to the stadium, social club etc in order to comply with Government and Public Health England requirements e.g. one way systems; Perspex hatches; PPE for volunteers etc., that clearly has also required financial expenditure.
Without fans’ continued support it will be extremely difficult to transition successfully through the 2020/21 season and to achieve our ambition of automatic promotion to the Central Premier League and to win the FA Trophy.
The consensus of the fans’ at the Forum was supportive of the approach outlined above.
Thank you for you loyal and unstinting support and stay safe.
#UpTheYeltz
Kindest regards
Karen Brookes
Chairman
Club Statement
Statement from Chairman Karen Brookes 26th August 2020
Following the recent fans forum on the 8 August 2020, we wanted to confirm the following items that were discussed and needs clarification:
1. We are all aware of the impact of COVID-19 on the UK economy and the ability of local businesses to continue sponsoring local sports teams in the manner they have previously. The season was null and void due to the pandemic and robbed Halesowen Town of the ability to be promoted back to the Premier league at the first time of asking.
We are asking fans to donate the home match tickets not utilised from their season ticket - worth a maximum of £48 based on last year’s prices, given the Football Club experienced loses during this same period of approximately £45k
2. Given we still have had no firm news on the FA Trophy semi-final and whilst the FA are hoping to go ahead in some form, we are not clear under what circumstances i.e. two leg semi-final (home tickets sold will be valid), one leg semi-final on a neutral ground - behind closed doors or with a restricted number of spectators. Until we are clear on date, time, location and spectators or not, we are not in a position to advise fans on the next steps. An update will be provided as and when we have more information.
To be clear, as outlined at the Fans Forum our losses from this match alone was in the realms of £35k against a fans ticket of £10. Again, should the semi-final not go ahead or take place on a neutral ground with or without spectators we will be asking supporters to donate the £10 they have already spent to assist us in successfully managing what will be a difficult season for us financial, indeed for any grass roots football club.
As all fans will recognise, since Keith and I took over every penny we earn at the football club is reinvested in the ground e.g. brand new changing facilities have been developed, the pitch looks phenomenal and with the sprinkler system installed last season just gets better and better. Importantly the investment that we have made in our management team and players to seek to get automatic promotion to the Central Premier League is significant and reflects the results we achieved last season and the fact that we are currently semi-finalists 2019/20 FA Trophy. Additionally, in order to play football safely this coming season we have had to make modifications to the stadium, social club etc in order to comply with Government and Public Health England requirements e.g. one way systems; Perspex hatches; PPE for volunteers etc., that clearly has also required financial expenditure.
Without fans’ continued support it will be extremely difficult to transition successfully through the 2020/21 season and to achieve our ambition of automatic promotion to the Central Premier League and to win the FA Trophy.
The consensus of the fans’ at the Forum was supportive of the approach outlined above.
Thank you for you loyal and unstinting support and stay safe.
#UpTheYeltz
Kindest regards
Karen Brookes
Chairman
