Crisis club opts to withdraw from league
SOUTHAM United have withdrawn from the Hellenic League with all their results being expunged.
The Division One side had been struggling financially and chairman Mike Davis stepped down last month due to family and health reasons.
Unpaid bills had meant they had been unable to play any home games for a number of weeks and with matches being switched to their opposition’s grounds, travelling costs soared.
An official club statement posted on their Facebook page said: “To our SUFC fans and Southam community, we would like to update you on the status of the club currently.
“As you may have heard, the first team will be unable to complete the current season, even with the best efforts of those involved, especially Kayne [Mann], Sean [Duffy], the players, volunteers and supporters. The challenges faced were simply too large to overcome this season.
“If commitment and dedication was all that was required, we would have been fine, but with no way to generate income through BHP [Bobby Hancocks Park], it was not sustainable for those involved, which is totally understandable.
“The junior teams and men’s reserves at the club are unaffected and continue to play as normal.
“The community group continue to work with volunteers and within the local community to bring resolutions which will hopefully result in a return of a fully operational BHP and a more unified community-run club next season.”
The post prompted a large number of responses including from former players.
Ady Fitzhugh posted: “As an ex-Southam captain and player, hearing this news is really gutting. There were some really dedicated people at the club and it’s a sad day for local football. I hope things can be reversed and the club gets up and running again soon.”
Jake Pendleton added: “Having a football club at the heart of any community is an incredible privilege. Southam is a fantastic non league club with a strong history and local following.
“The club should be run as a community with a small number of “delegates” to make up the official board. All the while ensuring that all decisions are voted on by all parties within the club community.”
And Lee Walkinshaw said: “Hit me hard to read this! Unreal club with unreal people around the club badge on and off the field. Still another example of the FA not supporting clubs and using more practical and sustainable traveling to games would have definitely supported this club moving forwards.”
Southam’s decision was also bad news for league rivals FC Stratford who have now lost the six points gained from their two victories over their neighbours this season.
