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Hungerford Town

Chairman of 7th tier club reveals they’re ‘experiencing very challenging period in its history’

The chairman of 7th tier club Hungerford Town reveals they’re ‘experiencing a very challenging period in its history’.

Cris Bowden says previous the funding model where several individuals made personal contributions to the Crusaders is not sustainable in the long run.

Hungerford have had quite the rise across nine seasons, climbing from the Hellenic League, through the Southern League, then had seven seasons in the National League South, but are now in the Southern League Premier Division South, sitting 18th with 29 points from 27 games played, two points above the drop zone.

A plea, a rallying cry, have been made in a statement released, have a read below…

STATEMENT:

From Chairmam Cris Bowden…

Hungerford Town Football Club are currently experiencing a very challenging period in its history and feel it is only fair to be as honest and transparent as possible with our members, supporters, sponsors, and the local community.

In recent years the club has been performing at a level in the football pyramid which has been unprecedented in the club’s history and has been quite an achievement for a club with a local population of less than seven thousand residents. With success on the pitch comes increased costs, and while we have consistently operated with a significantly smaller budget than many of our competitors, the reality is that expenditure has outweighed revenue. In previous seasons, we were extremely fortunate to have the support of former chairmen and several individuals who generously covered this shortfall through personal contributions. Unfortunately, this approach is not sustainable in the long term.

Over the past two seasons, the challenges behind the scenes have intensified. Operating costs have continued to rise significantly, while matchday income has dropped drastically. Like many organisations, we are also feeling the effects of wider economic pressures affecting supporters, sponsors, and businesses alike. These struggles have been heightened significantly over the last few months as we have only had three Saturday home games since the 8th of November.

As a result, and with the long-term survival of the club at the forefront of every decision, we have had to take a number of difficult but necessary steps to ensure we can operate within our means. These decisions have not been made lightly, but they are essential if the club is to remain sustainable. This has included a reduction in the playing budget by nearly a quarter. Throughout this process, Danny and his management team have shown outstanding professionalism, understanding, and commitment to the club. Despite the obvious challenges this presents, they have worked tirelessly and with great integrity to begin reshaping the squad. This has inevitably resulted in a number of players leaving the club, which is never an easy situation for those involved.

As part of our long-term plans, Jason Braidwood has been appointed Director of Football and has been working very closely with Danny and the management team over the last few weeks to identify and recruit new and exciting players, while also developing our existing U23 players and creating clear pathways for them to take the next step with the club. With this thrilling project in place and the 100% backing of the Executive Committee, Danny and his management team have agreed to continue taking the club forward for the remainder of this season and is already planning for next season.

As a committee, we would like to thank our supporters, sponsors, volunteers, and local businesses, who have always been brilliant in their backing of the club.

Our aim is to ensure Hungerford Town Football Club becomes a secure, well-run, and self-sufficient club that will continue to serve the community for the next 100 years.

The reality is simple… to ensure the club survives and grows in both the short and long term, meaningful changes are required across the club, and we need the continued support of our community.

For any businesses, local residents, supporters, or friends of the club who may be in a position to support the club with contributions of donations or sponsorship, assistance can be offered by contacting crisandgemma30@gmail.com.

Every contribution, regardless of size, genuinely helps and is deeply appreciated, and all support will play a meaningful role in helping the club operate sustainably.

Support does not have to be financial. If you have skills, experience, or time that you feel could benefit the club whether through volunteering, operational support, commercial ideas, or community engagement, we would be delighted to hear from you via the same email address.

If you’re not in a position to offer either of the above, you can still make a huge difference by joining us at Bulpit Lane. Bring a friend, buy a programme, enjoy a drink (or two), grab some food, and cheer on the players and staff who continue to give everything for this football club.

Every person who enters the ground, every voice in the stand, and every show of support, in whatever form it takes helps us build a sustainable future for Hungerford Town Football Club.

Here’s how fans reacted as the chairman of the 7th tier club reveals they’re ‘experiencing a very challenging period in its history’…

@DrewAdam_: All the money in the Prem. The money needs to trickle down & help teams in the non-league.

@WreccleshamBag1: Wish you all the luck in the world but the money has completely ruined non- league football. Step 3 clubs paying four of their players £700 a week? Ridiculous.

@worthingred1: Good luck. Really enjoyed our visit with Worthing to your ground. Best burger ever at a football ground!

@GraemeHUGHES17: Not a supporter, but I just purchased something from your shop.Grassroots football is important.

@thefarmilybmf: Wishing you all the best guys.. we know all too well the tightrope smaller clubs are trying to balance on just to stay afloat. Clubs like ours and yours are community assets that need more support.. hope you stay up! 💪

@debbie_t4: Best of luck. Great club. As a mother of a player , in non league, enjoyed the hospitality of your club for many years. My son always speaks highly of your manager and club and we were fortunate to be at a game on armistice day. Very moving. Xx

@cameron_pickard: Got a lot of respect for Hungerford as a club and Danny. Top people and I really hope they get out of this mess. It’s the reality of non league football, it’s a struggle without a backer

@mattitude_29: Sad to read this. I’ve always said even at this level, Hungerford are punching above their weight and whilst that’s affected them financially, what a journey they’ve had so far making the National League South and spending a good 6-7 years there. Hopefully they can make it work and be sustainable at high a level as possible.

@TreasaT59650527: I hope everything starts to get better soon for you @HungerfordTown I’m a @ReadingFC fan and share you’re worries. Best of luck out there boys it’s not nice hearing another Club having problems. Hope you stay up. Love from a @ReadingFC fan

@smudgerfc: The club has been punching above for a long time and great credit to everyone involved.. Being involved in non league watching my lad you see clubs with stupid budgets and clubs with minimal budgets but with @JasB55 on recruitment your in safe hands

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