The management committee of Leigh Genesis FC met last night and have come to a final decision regarding the future of the football club.
The Club’s major problem is the lack of a home ground since the eviction from Leigh Sports Village; we debated the following:
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Ground options for next season in the North West Counties League, Leigh Harriers Athletic Track ground at Leigh Sports Village, Crilly Park Atherton as a continuation from last season.
Action to take the club to Leigh Harriers Athletic Club:
Leigh Harriers Athletic Track - approaches were made via Andy Burnham MP and LAW training. These pathways were considered the best option given the lack of cooperation and respect given directly to senior board members of Leigh Genesis by LSV Co. Ltd in the past.
· Andy Burnham MP – Andy approached Mary Croasdale with a strong indication that he could facilitate a move to the ground as an existing club would probably relinquish their lease due to financial reasons. It was further stated that this club did not require such a high standard of ground and that an alternative pitch in the borough would be relatively easy to find. Over a period of 4 weeks further progress was not made and despite exhaustive efforts an update was unavailable from Andy until Thursday May 26. This declared that he had not been successful in the time allowed.
· LAW Training - this company deliver a full time education programme linked to Leigh Genesis FC and Alan Kershaw who runs the course is also the first team manager. The company are based at and spend a considerable amount of money with Leigh Sports Village Company, they have also agreed to deliver a programme for Leigh Centurions Rugby Club who are based at Leigh Sports Village main stadium. It was hoped that their influence would be enough to secure the Harriers pitch for the Leigh Genesis first team. Despite efforts by them this has not been granted.
Consideration of Crilly Park Lease Extension
The alternative of Crilly Park was discussed with the following points raised:
· Standards: despite the ground achieving the necessary grading the ground suffered setbacks during the majority of the season affecting the Pitch, the floodlights, the dressing rooms, the boardroom, the physio room and the kitchen / cafe. The club could not see that these essential facilities would be improved and up to standard for the new season
· Gates: The club suffered loss of crowds which was largely due to the club standards and location, subsequently a shortfall in revenue caused financial hardship for the club.
· Sponsorship: With the absence of suitable hospitality facilities the club suffered a decrease in the amount of money it could raise from sponsorship compounding the financial hardship
Conclusion
The club and its supporters could not accept Crilly Park as a home ground for a further season with no improvements likely
Without the offer of a ground in Leigh the club cannot continue at semi-pro level
Future
Immediate: In view of the strong infrastructure of the club built around the junior club (30+ teams up to adult age) it is hoped that a team operating at level 7 will be fielded and able to gain entry into a suitable league. A pitch capable of homing this level of football should not be a problem in the Leigh area
Long Term: Plans are already in place for the club (Junior and Senior) to have a base in the Leigh area and some of the juniors have already started training on the identified land. In the longer term this land is hoped to be extended and developed providing a secure and impressive club facility. Plans to develop a grade F+ facility are possible thus giving the club an aim.
Rationale
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Steps will not be taken to put the club into financial ruin therefore it will not ‘at any cost’ move into an unsustainable ground share agreement -
The club will survive at a lower level leaving the door open for building back into a semi-pro operation -
The club has an obligation to its junior section and is keen to keep a senior club even though this will be at a lower level -
Leigh Sports Village Stadium was the promised home of Leigh Genesis FC – a return to this ground should always remain as the club’s ambition
Understanding
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The committee of the club are devastated that it has been forced to take this drastic action however it feels that everything possible and practicable was done to avoid this action. -
The committee would like to express its sincere thanks to the league, in particular Phil Bradley and Alan Allcock in addition to all the clubs who have made offers of help and support. -
During these difficult last few years the club has been overwhelmed by the kind understanding shown by fellow clubs and is thankful for their efforts to make these challenging times a little easier. On no occasion did our club feel anything other than concern and sympathy from visiting directors; they accepted without complaint the somewhat ‘basic’ facilities at Crilly Park with a smile and good humour. We are grateful too for understanding from the clubs who agreed fixture reversals etc again without burdening us further with guilt. Non league football camaraderie at its best!’
In closing the club feels that it has maintained all possible dignity under the circumstances and is proud to have avoided putting the club through any shame; the club, although moving downward is still intact and in a state capable of renewal
With kindest regards
Mary Croasdale
Leigh Genesis Club Secretary
On behalf of Leigh Genesis