FANS TO GET THE RUN OF THE CITY
AFTER two years of trying to take control, Bath City supporters have finally got their hands on their football club. The National League South Romans have become fan-run after the Big Bath City Bid, set up in 2015, become majority shareholders. Having already raised £350,000, the Supporters’ Society purchased £300,000 of the new shares offered for sale by the club. Bath join the likes of Wrexham, Lewes, FC United, Hendon, Scarborough Athletic and Enfield Town in being owed by the club’s fans. Paul Williams, City’s Chairman of Football, is now plotting a push for promotion under the new regime at Twerton Park. “I’m really pleased to reach this stage of the process that gives us the stability to plan for success on the pitch, while new resources and finance enable us to build the business off the pitch and make it sustainable for the long run,” Williams said. “One of the most tangible things fans can see is that we’ve approved an enhanced playing budget for next season that will enable Manager Gary Owers to plan and recruit for a serious tilt at promotion.” Chairman Nick Blofeld added: “We’re delighted that after over two years of hard work, fundraising and negotiation, we’ve completed this refinancing and that the people of Bath and wider community now hold a majority stake in Bath City Football Club. “With a firm financial footing and citywide engagement, we’re already seeing a burst of creative energy that is invigorating the club. The possibilities are huge for this football club at the heart of our community and we’re excited to get things moving.” A nine-person new board has been put in place and it has been announced that all of the club’s remaining debt has been re-scheduled on five-years, interest-free terms.