After reviewing the club’s finances again, I’ve had to make the extremely difficult decision to reduce the playing budget further. To keep the budget where it was, the owners would still have needed to put in an additional £40–50k just to get through the rest of the season, and that simply isn’t sustainable anymore.

Following open and respectful discussions with Gary, we jointly agreed that it was best to part ways. I want to thank Gary personally — we had a great working relationship and worked hard together to try and keep a competitive budget that he could work with. Unfortunately, we couldn’t reach a level that allowed us to move forward in the way we all wanted.

I’ve heard a lot about expected crowds and matchday income, and at the start of the season we all agreed that, although it would be a stretch, we were targeting average attendances of around 700, alongside an increase in spend per head on food and beverage. For various reasons, we haven’t been able to make the food offering work as planned. While the bar does contribute to the budget, it’s nowhere near the level needed to sustain the current costs, and some supporters understandably choose to drink elsewhere rather than in the Steel Bar.

All we are guilty of this year is trying to support a competitive playing budget, back the team, and give ourselves the best possible chance of getting this club back to Step 3. Every decision made has been with that aim in mind, even when it’s meant making difficult and unpopular calls.

The hard truth is that for this club to progress and be sustainable, we need more support off the pitch. More people through the gates on matchdays, greater use of the club’s facilities, more sponsorship, and wider involvement around the club all make a real difference.

I’m always open to constructive conversations, and the club would welcome any support or help from anyone who wants to be part of taking us forward in a positive and sustainable way.

We all want to see this club succeed. The only way that happens is if we work together.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

James