Ely City is the oldest senior football team in Cambridgeshire having been founded in 1885. The club plays in the premier division of the Eastern Counties League. However, it is now facing financial difficulties, which is perhaps not surprising given that the population of the Fenland cathedral city is just over 15,000 and the surrounding countryside is relatively thinly populated.
Ely City is the oldest senior football team in Cambridgeshire having been founded in 1885. The club plays in the premier division of the Eastern Counties League. However, it is now facing financial difficulties, which is perhaps not surprising given that the population of the Fenland cathedral city is just over 15,000 and the surrounding countryside is relatively thinly populated.
The club announced this week that it had been forced to delay paying its players and management because of a “lack of income” which could threaten its future.The club insists that the players will be paid what they are owed but has appealed for people to invest in the club to ensure it has a viable future.
Chairman Robert Button said the club was still in discussion with developer Richard Sears about selling its lease on the Downham Road ground and moving to a new site in order to boost finances. Unless more money was brought it, Mr Button said the club would have to “seriously look” at Mr Sears’ offer.
Last season, Ely enjoyed good runs in both the FA Vase and Cambridgeshire Invitation Cup – which added an extra £5,000 to their pot – but poor performances in both competitions this year has seen them miss out on the much-needed funds.
The club are also struggling in the league and attendances, which go a long way to boosting funds, have dropped to below 100.
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