Hitchin Town Football Club

Hitchin Town launches realignment programme

Saturday, January 21 2012

The current economic climate has meant Hitchin Town Football Club has had to implement a series of cost controls in order to ensure financial stability at the club.

This has impacted all areas including manager Carl Williams’ playing budget. This is unavoidable if the club is to balance its books by the end of the season.
 
Chairman Terry Barratt said: “I want to make it very clear that we are not in financial trouble or in any danger of insolvency.  But in the past few months, we have received a number of unforeseen setbacks that have impacted our financial planning for the season. In order to prevent a medium-term crisis, we are having to reduce our expenditure over the last 16 weeks of the season.”
 
Although income from attendances remains healthy at Top Field and the Supporters Trust continues to be robust, other income streams have been compromised by the difficult economic environment, notably the social club.
 
Barratt adds: “There are many good aspects about our club and crowds and supporter interaction are as good as we could hope for. But we live in uncertain times and this has had a detrimental affect on our income. With the realignment measures we are taking, we will come in on budget at the end of the season and the total budget we set for the playing side will not be exceeded.”
 
Hitchin Town has long pursued the goal of self-sufficiency rather than relying on a benefactor or individual investor making cash injections into the club. This strategy has come under great pressure in 2011-12. If anyone feels they can help the club in this direction, they should contact Mr Terry Barratt on 07836 558727.
 
For further information, please contact Neil Jensen, Media Officer, Hitchin Town FC.
neil.jensen@ntlworld.com