‘It hurts when fans question ambition’
FOLLOWING Southport FC’s Boardroom Zoom update at the weekend, director Ian Kyle has addressed supporters over subjects that were not addressed.
The time limit didn’t allow the club to cover everything that was asked by supporters and they said that written responses will be posted on their website.
Kyle provided a further update to cover some of the more general questions that we were unable to ask on the Zoom, firstly tackling a query over finances in light of the Covid pandemic.
“The Board has, for the last two years, concentrated on becoming self-sufficient,” he said.
“That has effectively seen us through the pandemic. We will not be over extending financially.”
On volunteers, the message was ‘the more the merrier!’
“We will always welcome more volunteers to the Club!” he said. “The current volunteers do a fantastic job, but there is always something else that needs doing. If anyone at all is interested in volunteering, message the club, get involved! If anyone has any particular skills, to help at Haig Avenue or away from the ground, get in touch for a chat.”
On the club’s vice presidents, he said: “For the last two years we have liaised with the vice presidents as to what we can provide, and what they are looking for. It has been difficult of course over the last season, and I personally would like to thank the vice presidents for continuing to support us through that period. We will continue to liaise with the vice presidents this pre-season to come up with a suitable package.
“Once we have released the details of same, if anyone is interested in becoming a vice-president they should contact the club, and we will consider each application.”
On the possibility of a new stadium for the club, Kyle said: “As regards a new stadium, The Pure stadium holds a lot of history for all Southport fans.
“Our primary intention this season is the football. We have developed the main stand, got a fantastic new pitch, and upgraded the toilets.
“Over the next few years we would love to take on more redevelopment, particularly providing cover to all sides of the ground, but in light of the work undertaken over the last couple of years, let’s concentrate on the football this next 12 months. We are also continuing to explore the potential of a project, with the council, for a 4G pitch, and this will be our immediate priority.”
And on those questioning the club’s ambition. he said: “It will always be the aim to gain promotion. It hurts everyone on the Board when we see fans questioning our ambition. We must keep in mind that our first priority two years ago was the £500,000 debt that the club was in. On top of that, a new pitch was needed, and we had to maximise the work that had been done to the main stand.
“We have undergone massive changes to enable the club to break even in less than two years. Despite that, our ability to spot and develop players is evidenced by how we have sold on the likes of Dion, Devarn and more recently Morgs. We don’t go out and look for players to sell on, we look for players who we feel will be successful and help Southport FC achieve its goals. The fact that these players are moving to leagues one and two suggests that we are doing something right. If we continue to spot and develop talent of this calibre, it will not be long before we enjoy the success that we all deserve.”
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