Bamber Bridge have become the second team in two seasons from the sixth tier of English football to run into financial trouble.

Brig sit in 12th position after a solid start to this year’s campaign winning four and drawing three games in their first eleven matches, scoring 17 goals in the process.

Just last week, the Northern Premier League side announced on social media that the club needed “urgent” support financially.

They follow Marske United and become the latest team to enter the dreaded state where they will seek support from the wider public over the next months in a bid to stay in the league.

The club have set up a GoFundMe and need £30,000 to save their club.

This is also a huge contrast to the Northeast team who attempted to raise £120,000 to keep the club in the league, and ultimately failed after raising £26,000.

But why does it keep happening? Why are teams at this level of football struggling to maintain a stable financial position?

Clubs can offer too much in terms of player wages and struggle to maintain it, others like Bamber Bridge, can’t afford the upkeep without sponsors and benefactors.

Non-league journalist Stephen Killen from ‘Off the Park’ said more on the issue.

He said: “Prices are rising, costs are skyrocketing, and it seems there is little support or help that can be given from the FA and Premier League. Billions has gone into non-league and grassroots football, but clubs can’t afford to run with the costs.

“For clubs and the rate that games are playing out, outgoings are increasing season on season. The NWCFL Premier Division has been a 46-game season for two years and I would dread to work out the finances behind that.”

At this level, clubs are the heart and soul of communities, if you take it away you are removing a key component of a town that has lasted for decades. Many of the supporters are attracted by the low prices and general lifestyle that comes with non-league football- this is no longer existent if the club is lost.

It is often asked, “Well what can clubs do to prevent this from happening?”

Killen explained: “Clubs have treaded water for centuries but kept going through the love of their supporters and support from advertisers and sponsors.

“They need to budget better and earn more money, sometimes both aren’t easy to do if you’re trying to be ambitious or attract good players.”

It is possible, that in some cases, clubs can’t help the situation they are in, especially because of the current cost of living crisis.

The issue is also having an impact on football clubs lower down the pyramid.

Success is also a big factor in earning money and this is something clubs like Bamber Bridge and Marske have not experienced in recent years.

Take Marine for example, Neil Young has taken his team to two promotions in three years and have been able to grow financially and expand the infrastructure at the ground, all because of their achievements on the pitch.

Bamber Bridge have already raised £10,000 of their target a superb effort from the public just a week into the campaign as they hope to save their club from a similar fate to Marske United just last year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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