Bridlington Town chairman Peter Smurthwaite is working out if promotion to the Northern Premier League is viable on a man-power and financial basis before making a decision on whether to apply to go up.
Brid are in line for a return to the NPL for the first time since 2008 as part of the FA’s restructuring, but the clubs who ‘have won promotion’ have to apply. Brett Agnew’s side finished third in the combined points-per-game table for 2019/20 and 2020/21.
But memories of Brid’s last stint in the NPL will certainly be fresh in Mr Smurthwaite’s mind as the spell was riddled with financial problems.
Mr Smurthwaite saved Brid from oblivion, but relegation to the NCEL was a major contributory factor in him nursing the club to good health. Brid won the NCEL Premier Division title in 2010, but the club turned down promotion as Mr Smurthwaite was unwilling to place Brid in danger of being in financial jeopardy again.
In a statement on Brid’s website, Mr Smurthwaite said: “I am currently holding discussions with Brett Agnew and his management team to discuss details of what would be involved with this possible promotion along with other members of the club.
“I have managed the finances of this club since I took over the ownership and also put in finances to take this club from a substantial debt to a situation where we now break even each season with all the bills paid. This has been helped with our excellent and dedicated group of volunteers, quite a few of whom have been at the Club since I took over and stayed loyal through “thick and thin” and the “good times and the bad times”.
“Obviously money has also been spent on improving all the facilities at the club and resulting in the construction of a brand new club house. To move forward I have to be convinced we can manage financially at the next level of the football pyramid. We would need an increase in revenue which I am hoping will come from the Town Bar and also the recent increase in sponsorship at the club and hopefully a resurgence in interest in non-league football after the Covid 19 pandemic.
“It is not just about the finances but we do need more help particularly at away games which will involve even more travel if we do move up as I have stated previously. We have seen this season difficulties in getting regular physios and medical support staff. Difficulties in getting the playing kit to and from Bridlington for away games and other equipment required for the games.
“If anyone feels they can help to fill these positions please contact myself to discuss in more detail. I would also give credit to the management team and players to getting us into this situation to be considered for promotion and I am very proud of the fact that this club is the Senior Club in this area after Hull City which is a credit to all involved at the Club.”