A statement from the Board of Directors at Stalybridge Celtic Football Club.

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%, 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.

The Board would like to thank Manager Chris Willcock for his understanding of this decision and for his continued commitment to Stalybridge Celtic FC.

The Board has, in recent weeks, held several meetings with the officials of the newly re-formed Stalybridge Celtic Supporters Association (SCSA), at which discussions have been held as to how the association can assist the club, both in terms of volunteers helping in match-day operations, but also in helping the club meet some of it’s financial commitments outside of footballing costs.

The club is planning several fundraisers over the next couple of months, and the SCSA will be a huge asset in helping to promote those events, and help bring funds into the club.

Both the Board and the SCSA are committed to work together in the best interests of Stalybridge Celtic FC.

Support from fans this season has been absolutely superb, both at home and away, and we hope this will continue and grow, and that all fans will help continue to get behind OUR club in any way they can.

Everyone will know that Rob Gorski 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.

Keith Smart, Interim Chairman/Director.