Meteoric rises involving benefactors who then withdraw their support often end in tears and that, sadly, appears to be the story at AFC Totton. Players’ wages have gone unpaid and there was even talk of a strike over Easter.
Meteoric rises involving benefactors who then withdraw their support often end in tears and that, sadly, appears to be the story at AFC Totton. Players’ wages have gone unpaid and there was even talk of a strike over Easter.
An underlying problem appears to be the costs of running the 3,000 capacity Testwood Stadium where they moved in the 2010-11 season. It is reminiscent of the way in which the costs of running Nene Park contributed to the collapse of Rushden & Diamonds. The job isn’t done when the stadium is built as maintenance costs rise over time.
At Totton the problems were to some extent masked by last year’s FA Cup run. The lack of a major sponsor and postponed games have not helped cash flow. However, talks are being held with potential investors.
At my own club, Leamington, we face costs of around £50k in stadium upgrading if we get promoted to the Blue Square North. But at least we have stuck to a community club model and tried to ensure that spending is prudent and sustainable.