STALYBRIDGE Celtic fans want to raise £25,000 to help meet costs for the rest of the season after its playing budget was cut by 20 per cent.
Rising bills, lower income and postponed matches – robbing the Bower Fold club of much needed income – has forced the decision.
And the Northern Premier League outfit’s supporters’ association has spelled out just what it wants to help them pull through.
It also hopes to assist going forward to make sure things run more smoothly.
It said: “As supporters of the football club, the SCSA is now looking to raise £25,000 between now and the end of the season to assist the club with running costs and some historical debt.
“More detail will be provided in the coming weeks on how the SCSA will go about fundraising for specific items, including increased utility bills and other running costs.
“Further, the SCSA looks forward to working with the club board to improve operations and processes off the field as well as assisting with volunteering, skill sets and ideas.
“Going forward, the SCSA intends to play a big part in the longer-term future of the club. The SCSA and club board have agreed to form working groups to help manage operational, planning, and other aspects of the club.
“The officers of the SCSA believe that the future long term financial stability of the club is the priority and have been pleased to have had the opportunity to be involved in discussions with the club board.”
Celtic manager Chris Willcock was told of the decision – which the SCSA supports and he and the dressing room understands – on Monday, January 9. It means some players will have to leave.
And interim chairman Keith Smart insisted there was no other choice.
He said: “The general economic climate, resulting in lower than anticipated commercial income and increases in utility bills and other costs has severely affected the club’s cashflow situation.
“This has been exacerbated by the loss of income from two consecutive Saturday home games being postponed in December, which has meant that the club has had to seriously look to reduce its operating expenditure.
“Clearly, the biggest expense the club has is the playing budget.
“The board has consequently had to make the extremely difficult decision to reduce the playing budget by approximately 20 per cent, which will result in some players being released from the squad.
“This decision has not been made lightly, but the ongoing financial stability of the club must be paramount.”
Celtic, who sit 16th in the Premier Division table, are officially up for sale after chairman Rob Gorski announced he is stepping away.
And hope remains an investor can be found, with Mr Smart adding: “Everyone will know that Rob is seeking to sell his shares and find a new majority shareholder.
“Hopefully that new majority shareholder is able to invest in the club and propel it onwards, as we all want.”
Steve Lockey and Andrew Seddon by Phillip Smith
The SCSA continued: “It is no secret that Rob’s announcement that he intends to dispose of his shares has created some uncertainty at the football club.
“With Rob stepping down from the board, the remaining directors have decided to take some steps to reshape the club’s finances.
“Having reviewed the financial forecasts for the season the club board is considering a range of measures including cost savings and opportunities to increase revenue.
“As officers, we are unanimous that having a club to support for many years to come is of the utmost importance, over any existing footballing position.
“Whilst this action naturally represents a disappointment for all Celtic supporters, we are pleased to see the board taking meaningful steps to preserve the Club in its current form.
“It is important we all pull together to stabilise the club.”