Chairman's Statement

By: GTFC
Date: 06/05/2003

EVERYONE connected with the club is naturally disappointed with the outcome this season, but it is vital that we, as a club, do not allow ourselves to become too downhearted for too long.

Yes, relegation hurts and we all feel it, but now is a time to make plans for the future and continue to build the solid foundation on which this club can move forward. It will be a 'team game' in more ways than one, and by that I mean that it will require a joint effort from fans, players and directors to take the club forward. Despite relegation, let us remind ourselves that Grimsby Town is still the Premier Club in this area.

The club received a massive boost this week when it announced the brand new official sponsorship deal with Jarvis. Their backing is of huge importance and shows their faith in the future of the club. On behalf of Grimsby Town FC, I would once again like to thank Jarvis for their support. The new team kit for next season looks excellent and the shirts are now on sale from the club shop, with no price increase on last year.

Another major development to benefit the club recently is the resolving of the share issue. This move had previously been blocked but at the EGM of 10th April, the shareholders voted unanimously to give the directors the power to allot the unallocated share capital. The club has already had many applications for shares and the Board will deal with all applications on a monthly basis. Shares are £1 each and the minimum amount is £100. All supporters purchasing shares are giving the club great assistance and we thank everyone who has already applied, whilst at the same time, urging others with the club at heart to do likewise and invest in the future of Grimsby Town FC.

Last week the Board met with Paul Groves and Graham Rodger to chat about their plans for next season. Obviously the players whose contracts expire at the end of this season were discussed and the manager also identified his targets as regards new additions. We can assure you that the club will be actively pursuing new players - players who we are sure you will find of interest. We will also be doing everything within our means to keep the out of contract players who feature in the manager's plans. Obviously it is too soon to tell you any more at this stage but negotiations are on going and we are planning already for the Division Two campaign, with a speedy return to the First Division the absolute aim.

The previous Thursday, I attended the Football League Chairman's meeting at Leicester City's Walkers Stadium. The venue was rather ironic given that one of the main topics for discussion was clubs that have gone into administration, gaining what many clubs feel was an unfair advantage. This is certainly something that we, as a club, feel strongly about. Grimsby Town have battled for sometime to keep its head above water and avoid administration, but it seems that this has only penalised the club. Whether clubs meant to gain an unfair advantage by going into administration or not, the situation needs addressing. Sporting sanctions will be introduced to prevent clubs from taking the 'easy way out', ranging from a deduction of 12 points to being expelled from the Football League altogether. Each individual case will be dealt with by a committee who will decide on which penalty to impose.

Other developments at the meeting were for salary capping, which will be introduced next season into Division Three and then the following season into Divisions One and Two as well. We await with interest the effect that has in the game, but certainly the indication is that it would not be too favourable to ourselves. The figure quoted is 60% of turnover and unless there is an upsurge in interest from our supporters then it will obviously limit the resources this club has for it's playing staff overall. The third main point on the agenda was the increase in the number of teams in the play-offs. Grimsby Town voted in favour of this and certainly with next season in mind, we are pleased to see the number of places increased to eight.

In closing, let me assure you once again that this club is looking very much to the future, with a policy based on prudent financial decisions. However it is well worth noting that this season directors have supported the club on a 1:1 basis with the fans i.e. their loans have equalled gate receipts. This will be impossible to continue and the club does need to increase its fan base to be able to move forward. Your support continues to be vital and if you can help in any further way, such as purchasing shares, buying the new shirt or joining the Gold Bond lottery, then please do so. Thank you for your support this season and we look forward to seeing you back at Blundell Park for the new campaign.

Application For Shares - Details

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