BRIDGNORTH Town FC chairman has revealed that the Crown Meadow club want to finish in the top five of the Midland Alliance next season.
Eric Eagles, who was re-elected as chairman at last week’s annual meeting said the indications were that the side would improve in 2009/10.
“Manager Andy Marlowe is buzzing and will be disappointed if we don’t finish in the top five,” explained Eagles, who added that it was expected that some of last year’s loyal side would remain with the hope of some fresh faces as well.
“We has a meeting with Andy last week and the situation is looking very promising, with names of two new sponsors to be announced in the near future. Last season was very successful on the field,” added the chairman.
“At Christmas we thought we might finish in the top six, but at the end it was in mid-table, although that was better than we could have hoped. ”
Those at the annual meeting– a slightly increased number on last year – heard that the club was still in financial difficulties, although the cash flow problems have improved.
Players agreed to forgo wages for part of last season and the balance sheet is still in the red.
But Eagles is defiant. “We are alive and fighting and providing we keep going the same way we will be OK,” he said. He praised the hard work of Marlowe and of Steve Crann, who recently stepped down as reserves manager to be replaced by Rick Doody.
“We have a good mix of 17 and 18 year olds in the reserves who provide important back-up for the first team,” he said.
Eagles said the club was now looking forward to a charity match at the Crown Meadow on Sunday, July 5 (2pm) when a charity match between the local police and a Town FC XI will raise money for Bridgnorth Beavers, the League of Friends of Bridgnorth Hospital and the Everyman Cancer Trust.
The match – being arranged by Bridgnorth police station civilian workers Diane Garratt and Tanya Lewis – will be refereed by top Premiership official Howard Webb, who is giving his services free of charge and will be bringing along his memorabilia.
There will be entertainment on the day by cheerleaders, a pig roast and bouncy castle and admission will be £5 for adults, with children aged under 12 let in free.
