Football chairman reveals the threats to modern day football
- Sam Greasley-Machin
- Feb 10, 2019
- 2 min read
Chairman of Poole Town, Chris Reeves, opens up on the troubles that Poole Town and many other non-league clubs face in 2019 along with giving an insight into how the club balances the books.
He started by talking about the two biggest concerns with running the club: “Operating at a general level of speaking there are two significant issues we face and live with, volunteers and income. It costs over £350,000 a year to run, it’s a business incorporating many aspects.”
“This would be double if we would have to pay everyone, the vast majority don’t get paid, beyond the people that don’t run the business – the stewards, hospitality, turnstiles and catering staff. It’s a huge operation run by people who give for the life of the club.”
There is a widespread call that institutions like the Premier League could do more for clubs and foundations outside of the Football League, Chris says: “There is a struggle to come to terms, they could do more for grassroots. Admittedly they do some with grants but they don’t do enough. The FA do a huge amount with the £1billion they’ve ploughed into grassroots.”
“We are caught between two polar opposites in professional clubs and serious grassroots youths who receive funding at the different ends, our club is in between. We get nothing from the top at the Premier League and don’t get grassroots money.”
“Admittedly the doubling in FA Cup earnings makes so much difference, every game is a cup final with clubs futures rescued.”
Poole, along with so many clubs, have to produce income themselves to survive with advertising a vital part of that, :“Advertising and sponsorship is crucial as many people perhaps may not realise Poole Town exist, only thinking of the Premier League when it comes to football.”
“Once we open the door of a sponsor, they come to the game and are blown away by the experience, atmosphere and quality of football – once they come they get hooked.”
“The average football supporter isn’t aware of the strength and depth in our country, no other country has the strength and depth of ours. Our players here could be full time in second or third divisions in Germany, France and Spain.”
“The level of ability and fitness is incredible commitment from semi-pro footballers as it dominates their lives with many back at work, on site the day after matches which if playing in the week away can often leave them with 3 hours sleep or less. Its incredible commitment to maintain that fitness.”
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