Skem’s future on knife-edge as FA deadline looms
THE future of Skelmersdale United FC beyond this season is in major doubt. The 135-year-old club released a statement this week which states it could be forced to leave the Uretek Stadium in Selby Place after failing to agree a new lease with the owners.
Under FA rules, the club must submit evidence of where it will play next season by tomorrow (Friday).
If no agreement is completed in time, the club will be thrown out of the league and face the prospect of extinction.
Club chairman Paul Griffiths voiced his dismay at the situation, calling Skem’s potential closure a “tragedy”.
He said: “We have been trying for almost two years to reach an agreement to remain in business at our stadium, but the owners of the site, Chequer Properties, have refused to grant an official new lease or extension.
“It is unthinkable that one business should decide to close the club down by their actions, and unwillingness to grant this lease.
“This closure would be tragedy for Skelmersdale United, its fans and the wider community.”
West Lancs MP Rosie Cooper has added her voice to those shocked at the club’s possible demise, describing the prospect as “shocking and disappointing” and a “massive blow”.
Skem manager, Alan Rogers, said: “The short time I have been there, Skem is a fantastic little family club with a lot of passionate people behind it.”
Skelmersdale are currently bottom of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier league premier division with just three wins all season and have lost their last five games.
Long-serving manager Tommy Lawson left earlier in the season, weeks after financial problems led to the vast majority of the first team squad departing. However, the threat to the club is not related to the club’s finances or poor performance on the pitch.
Chequer Properties has issued a statement in response to the club, stating that the last letter sent from the landlord’s lawyer to the club, some two weeks ago, has not received a response.
A spokesman for Chequer said: “A lease dated 18/11/2005 relating to a football ground and associated property was entered into by the above parties.
The document contains standard clauses, including the expiry date and options to extend the term. In the run up to the expiry date both parties have appointed suitably qualified solicitors to act on their behalf.
“It appears that the last correspondence from the landlord’s lawyers, dated 14/03/2017, which also contains a reference to the extension clause and its’ UK Legislation, stands unanswered”.