SKEM SET FOR A NEW BATTLE
SKELMERSDALE fans must’ve thought things couldn’t get any worse for them after suffering relegation last Saturday.
But, they were hit by an even bigger body blow this week with the news that the club’s existence was thrown into doubt.
Skem limped out of the Evo-Stik NPL Premier and back into Step 4 following a dreadful season, relegated even before the clocks went forward, losing 17 of their 18 games in 2017, including a 1-0 defeat at Halesowen yesterday.
But their dire season pails into insignificance compared to chairman Paul Griffiths’ grim announcement last week that the club’s landlord, Chequer Properties Ltd, refused to commit to a new 12-year lease, thus throwing 135 years of football into jeopardy.
This week, Skem announced they are to groundshare with Prescot Cables next season, but for chairman Paul Griffiths, the community fight continues.
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 have refused to grant an official new lease or extension.
“Without this we will be thrown out of the league and the history of this great community club may be lost forever. We would appreciate support and help from anyone to resolve this matter, and keep the Amateur Cup Winners, Skelmersdale United, alive and well for the West Lancashire community.
“It is unthinkable that one business should decide to close the club down by their unfair actions, and unwillingness to grant this lease. This closure would be tragedy for Skelmersdale United, its fans and the wider community.
“The only way we could achieve security of tenure for next season was to enter into a groundshare agreement and we are grateful to Prescot Cables for coming to our rescue.”
Manager Alan Rogers says he will get things right on the pitch for the supporters next season – if the club is still standing.
Rogers said: “If I’m here next season then it will be a different scenario I can guarantee you right now.
“I fully knew the situation before I came in but I need to see what happens as I don’t want to say anything for definite.”