Non league community wave goodbye to Southern League club as they get set to fold

The non league community wave goodbye to Southern League club Walton Casuals as they get set to fold prior to the 2022/23 season.

The Board of Walton Casuals football club announced on Thursday (9 June) it will begin the ‘process of managed closure’ of the club.

This comes three weeks after directors of the 7th tier outfit are now forced with ‘exploring potential acquisition approaches’ with it’s future under threat.

They finished the 2021/22 campaign in 11th place, taking 58 points from 42 games played, got to the second qualifying of the FA Cup (lost to Hampton & Richmond) and the first round of the FA Trophy (lost to Uxbridge).

LATEST STATEMENT:

Dear All,

Following the announcement by WCFC on the 10th May 2022 that the Club were having to explore the future of the Club – the process to identify new owners and/or investors has sadly been unsuccessful. Therefore, the Club has decided that it will now follow a process of managed closure.

This decision has been very difficult and we are sure will come as a huge shock and disappointment to the Club’s Staff, Volunteers, Fans and all the relationships and associations that the Club has built-up over many years.

During this process the Board were determined to ensure that (at either the point of Acquisition or in the event of closure) the Club would be left in a position with no liabilities or indebtedness. This has been achieved and despite the anguish that closure will inevitably cause – the Club leaves with honour and pride in what it has achieved and with the many wonderful memories.

The Board will now progress the managed Closure of WCFC – but would like to again thank everyone for their extraordinary support over many years and their patience and understanding during this recent period.

Kind Regards

The Board of Directors Walton Casuals Football Club

STATEMENT ON 10TH MAY

Walton Casuals Football Club achieved its best position in the EFL Pyramid (Southern Premier South) in Season 2021/22.

However, the backdrop to this success has been one of incredible challenges on the pitch – matched only by challenges off the pitch. It has therefore been very difficult to decide the future direction of the Club – whether this is to be to continue the Club under current Management, offer the Club for Acquisition or to close the Club.

All Clubs rely on the support of individuals, company’s, volunteers and the local authority – and especially the amazing fans and sponsors. The generosity and commitment of all those associated with the Club has made this season’s achievements all the more special.

But the recent, current and foreseeable stresses that will be placed on all those inputs (time and financial) has made it clear that despite careful stewardship by the current management the ability to continue operating the Club into next season appears unsustainable.

Therefore, the Club is exploring potential Acquisition approaches – before deciding the ultimate future of the Club.

We know this will come as a huge disappointment to our fans and staff – indeed to our friends and colleagues across the League and beyond – but after exploring the limited options available – Acquisition or Managed Closure are the likely outcomes that the Club’s Board have to consider.

We will follow up with an Official Statement in the very near future with that decision – but in the meantime the Board would like again to thank everyone involved in the Club over the years and wish everyone good luck in the future.

The Club can be contacted through the email address above in the next 5 days if you have any queries regarding this statement. Yours sincerely WCFC Board of Directors

As mentioned, the non league community wave goodbye to the Southern League club as they get set to fold…

@RichardBrown34: Sad news. A real loss to the community.

@Tron9: This is really disappointing, as a Clapton Community fan I had a lovely experience at your ground and hoped you’d do well in the future. You’ve got so much going for you, it’s a real shame and a huge loss to football and your community

@rjh7516: Very sad news.

@kramerman08: This is heartbreaking! Club was in such a nice direction! Really good team and everyone involved make this club great again! Big loss to the community!

@venny1976: Where are all these ex pros and Hollywood superstars when it comes to proper grassroots football? They are no where to be seen because they couldn’t give two sh1ts about grassroots!!

@Waltoncasualsf: Surely not @WaltonCasualsFC , please say it’s some kind of a wind up.

@SammyG1965: Sad news for everybody connected to the club.

@stevebone1: Very sad news of the imminent end of Walton Casuals. Sympathies to all involved. Wonder what will happen to Southern League Premier South now? Play with 21 teams or promote someone from below?

@NonLeagueMaps: A reprieve for Merthyr is more likely in my opinion

@GlenLeeds08: The club that gave me opportunity at 17 years old for my Ryman south debut. Such sad news. Up the stags 🧡

@joewotton: What a shame, great club

@StewGBillericay: Our hearts go out to you from @GraysAthleticFC We’ve looked down that gun barrel ourselves and took the decision to become supporter owned. Hard work but rewarding. Every club is at the centre of its community.

@NLsaturdays: Terrible to see and a shame for football

@stevesanderstax: Gutted to hear this. Great little club, lovely people. Such a shame after the team is on the up and up. Thanks for the Saturday afternoon entertainment guys. I’m going to miss you. ❤️

@BradHicks20: Really, Really sorry to hear this folks, utterly awful news!

@JohnMar84959480: Only been to a couple of matches this year but every time it has been so welcoming and lovely as a supporter as you feel like family when your there. Cant imagine what’s happened behind the scenes but this is a massive loss to the community, #WaltonCasuals

@WChairRaider: The words you never want to see

@SImonPegg5: Awful news for any club. Sorry to hear this.

@ChrisMc7: Very sorry to read this news, it is a real shame. I salute your pride, integrity and grace at such a difficult time for all those connected to your club 🧡

@will_i_am67: 💔 heartbreaking news for a proud and respected club

@Cayf85: The board have let this happen. Could of taken voluntary relegation at the end of the season to let someone else have a go and start again with not such a financial strain. 75th anniversary this year and they all walk away. Don’t let any of them tell you they have no choice.

@_Citizen_Canes: Many fond memories of my trips to your old stadium , hope to see you guys again soon even if it’s a Phoenix team 👏👏👏

@WombatMan30: And another club bites the dust. Always liked visiting the Casuals. Sad news for football in the lower leagues. Fully understand the decision though. You can’t run a club on thin air.

@Parkie64: Gutted for you.

@WalksLulu: A sad day for non league football 😢 Another great club gone! Can’t imagine what those involved with the club are going through from board to the fans. Terrible news. #Nonleague

@tivertontownfc: This is absolutely awful for the football community. Best wishes to all associated with Walton Casuals from your friends down country 💛🧡

@FarnboroughFC: We are gutted to read this. We have had some great meetings down the years. Our thoughts are with everyone associated with Walton Casuals Football Club 🧡🖤

@LeatherheadFC: This is extremely sad, please accept our sincere condolences at this very difficult time.

@SalisburyFC: We’re so sorry to hear this. Walton Casuals will be missed. A friendly club that we always enjoyed visiting. Best wishes to all involved, especially the fans.

@waynebradwayne: A very sad conclusion for @WaltonCasualsFC. Our thoughts are with all volunteers, staff and supporters. Our best regards from all @AlfretonTownFC

@TauntonTownFC: We’re sorry to hear this terrible news. Our thoughts go out to the players, volunteers and supporters which we hope are able to find enjoyment elsewhere. Football can be a key component mentally for many people. 💜

So many unforgettable moments and quality people met here 😔

Getting involved was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made 🧡 #COYS https://t.co/jYiz6qID6Z pic.twitter.com/lkU4EneAQA

— Kane Brooker (@kanebrooker) June 9, 2022