Chairman confirms 11th tier club is ‘on the verge of closure in a call to action’

Chairman Frank Hughes confirms Skelmersdale United, who are now an 11th tier club, is ‘on the verge of closure in a call to action’.

In his plea, he says the club is in a critical financial situation and risks closure without significant change in the coming weeks and months.

Despite past support from local businesses and the author’s personal investment, current revenue streams are insufficient.

While the club has no debts, it lacks the assets and revenue other clubs rely on. The custodians acknowledge some responsibility but urge the community and businesses to rally together through sponsorships, donations via GoFundMe, and other support to ensure the 143-year-old institution’s survival and future sustainability.

**On the Verge of Closure: A Call to Action!**

I’m not exaggerating when I say we’re in a critical situation. If we don’t see a significant change in the coming weeks and months, the future of our beloved club could be in serious jeopardy.

When I decided to return to the club…

— Frank Hughes (@frankiejhughes) June 3, 2025

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT:

** On the Verge of Closure: A Call to Action! **

I’m not exaggerating when I say we’re in a critical situation. If we don’t see a significant change in the coming weeks and months, the future of our beloved club could be in serious jeopardy.

When I decided to return to the club two years ago, I was brought in to help salvage it from dire financial straits. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and supporters, we managed to navigate rough waters, but I’ve poured thousands of my money into keeping us afloat. While I’m committed to doing what I can, my resources are not limitless.

Unfortunately, the invaluable support we enjoyed from local businesses last season hasn’t carried over into the off-season, leaving us unprepared for the upcoming challenges we face.

We’ve worked tirelessly across every department to uphold the legacy of this fantastic institution, and we’ll continue to put in relentless effort to keep our club going, but we cannot do it alone.

On the bright side, we don’t owe a single penny to anyone; however, we are missing the revenue streams that many other clubs take for granted. Here’s a glimpse of what we need:

1. ** A Ground of Our Own **: Gate revenue is critical, and ground sharing bites into our funds. We’ve been working diligently behind the scenes to change that.

2. ** A Clubhouse **: The community hub at Stormy Corner was a lifeline, generating extra income and serving as a gathering space for various organisations.

3. ** Catering Services **: An onsite canteen could contribute thousands to our finances.

4. ** Subletting the Ground**: We successfully did this at Stormy Corner, bringing in an extra £20k annually.

5. ** Synthetic Pitch **: Imagine the potential! This could generate an additional £275-300k each year for the club.

6. **Stadium Naming Rights**: In the past, we earned at least £15k a season from naming rights, but we can’t explore any of these opportunities without our own ground.

Have we contributed to our current predicament? Yes, as custodians, we accept some responsibility. But let’s be clear: we didn’t strip our club of its assets or fail a FIFA bounce test.

It’s easy for some to take potshots at the individuals involved; however, presenting a constructive argument is far more challenging. Rather than criticise, let’s rally together to support our club.

For this 143-year-old institution to continue its incredible legacy, we need help from every corner of the community and local businesses.

We’re eager not just to survive but to thrive! We can build a sustainable business model that protects the club’s future with your support. When we return to Skelmersdale, we can ensure a legacy worth celebrating.

We have exciting sponsorship opportunities ranging from kit sponsorship to board advertising. Plus, don’t forget about our GoFundMe page, where you can make donations.

We would greatly appreciate any contribution you can make. Together, let’s save this historic club!

LAST 10 YEARS – LEAGUE HISTORY

(Credit – FCHD)

2015-16 – NPL-P – P46 – W14 – D11 – L21 – GF66 – GA82 – 53 PTS – 16/24
2016-17 – NPL-P – P46 – W5 – D9 – L32 – GF40 – GA118 – 24 PTS – 24/24
2017-18 – NPL-1N – P42 – W8 – D13 – L21 – GF53 – GA84 – 37 PTS – 21/22
2018-19 – NPL-1W – P38 – W2 – D7 – L29 – GF24 – GA111 – 13 PTS – 20/20
2019-20 – NWC-P – P30 – W7 – D6 – L17 – GF48 – GA60 – 31 PTS – ABAND
2020-21 – NWC-P – P4 – W1 – D0 – L3 – GF5 – GA9 – 3 PTS – ABAND
2021-22 – NWC-P – P40 – W24 – D7 – L9 – GF94 – GA51 – 79 PTS – 2/21
2022-23 – NPL-1W – P38 – W16 – D0 – L22 – GF58 – GA74 – 48 PTS – 11/20
2023-24 – NWC-P – P46 – W9 – D5 – L32 – GF54 – GA131 – 32 PTS – 24/24
2024-25 – NWC-1N – P34 – W 2 – D2 – L30 – GF23 – GA124 – 8 PTS – 18/18

Twitter users gave their reaction after the chairman confirms that 11th tier club Skelmersdale is ‘on the verge of closure in a call to action’…

@HazzaRollo: Hope you get it sorted Frank, best of luck

@chorleyawaydays: Good luck Frank 👊

@baldy984: Surely a pre season game and reach out to #LFC and #EFC fans to attend would boost the coffers some what?

@GrahamPark15: This is so sad but getting more common. The game is awash with money, and the @FA are simply not interested below the top flight.

@foote6_jon: Please help if you can, blood sweat and personal health have been sacrificed to keep this great club going. We can’t let it die! 💙🤍💙