Football club back from the brink

Thursday 12th January 2012

The future of Yarmouth Town FC is more secure after a sponsor was revealed at this week’s Emergency General Meeting who cleared the club’s debt.

The crisis meeting was called after a lack of support threatened to leave the club relegated, or worse, wound up.

But local businessman Mike Smith, managing director of Derrick Services Ltd, agreed to invest in the club, leading to a one-year sponsorship deal that could be extended for a further two years if significant progress with the local community is made before it is reviewed after nine months.

The EGM revealed that Great Yarmouth Town, who struggle with on and off-the-pitch problems, had debts totalling £5500, the majority of which was owed to Great Yarmouth Borough Council.

The Bloaters, who are bottom of the Ridgeons Premier Division, play at the Wellesley stadium, where the meeting was hosted.

The meeting also discussed whether there should be a change of committee members; what league the reserve team should compete in next season; and how the youth system could be used to increase parent’s interest in the club.

Club chairman Colin Jones said that the meeting had generated ideas which the committee would consider and look to move forward.

Norfolk FA’s chief executive Shaun Turner, also explained how they could help the club through the financially troubling time.

Mr Smith said: “It seemed inconceivable that the club was heading towards possibly becoming dissolved, I’ve run and owned businesses in Yarmouth for 30 years and thought this is a good opportunity to put something back.”

The football club was founded in 1897 and has the oldest known grandstand.