AT RISK VICS ARE SAVED BY THE FANS
BIG-HEARTED fans across the globe have saved Northwich Victoria from double relegation and potential extension at the 11th hour – after raising £16,000 within two days to meet an FA deadline.
The club, relegated from the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division One South after a 10-point deduction for going into administration last December for the third time in a decade, were threatened with having to drop down two levels if the outstanding debts could not be paid by the deadline of last Wednesday, taking them straight to the second tie of the Hallmark Security North West Counties League.
FA rules insist that a club must exit administration, either by paying off their debts in full or by agreeing a company voluntary arrangement with creditors to pay the same amount in instalments over an agreed period, before their league’s annual general meeting.
Northwich Victoria Supporters Association responded to the crisis by raising £11,000 by Monday, before issuing an online SOS for help for the rest.
And within 24 hours, football fans from around the world raised the remaining £5,000 on the JustGiving site, allowing the club to be saved by the skin of their teeth. In that time, 382 separate donations were made online.
Former players and supporters who had moved away got in touch to offer donations and help.
Northwich, who were founded in 1874 and named after Queen Victoria, the reigning monarch, can now take their place in the Premier Division.
They will now meet breakaway fans club 1874 Northwich, who were formed in 2012 following concern at the Vics’ financial problems.
The Vics took to social media to issue a statement which read: “Northwich Victoria can confirm we have received over a staggering £5,000 worth of donations from friends from all over the world.
“On behalf of the club, we cannot thank you all enough for the amazing support everyone has shown and we are overwhelmed and humbled by you all. The club has a proud history and hopefully in the near future we can welcome you all to come and see this new fan-run club in action.”