National League South side Hampton & Richmond address future

National League South side Hampton & Richmond have today released a statement in regards to securing their future as a 2nd tier side in non-league football.

In a statement released by the board and chairman of the Surrey-based side, the club had been looking at plans throughout the previous year to “increase the club’s income from a variety of sources” which hadn’t been met with success and “efforts to secure additional funding will continue” by them.

Furthermore, the club has announced that they will be starting their 3rd season in non-leagues 2nd tier with a much-reduced playing budget.

The club has also said the following:

“Naturally, it is hoped that revenue will increase as the season progresses, in which event the playing budget will be enhanced where possible. However, the worst-case scenario could mean further cuts later in the season.

This decision has not been taken lightly by the board but is essential to ensure the long-term security of the football club. The situation has been explained and discussed with the manager (Gary McCann) and, while this will make Gary’s job of constructing a squad far more challenging, he has shown full support and understanding of the circumstances.”

Incoming chairman Jacques Le Bars said:

“This is obviously not the ideal start to my tenure as club chairman. However, I see it as an opportunity to modernise the club and ensure we are not putting it at risk with unrealistic financial commitments. I would ask the fans for their understanding and continuing support for this great football club”.

Manager Gary McCann has also said the following:

“This is clearly a disappointing turn of events and not something any of us anticipated 12 months ago. However, I do fully understand the situation and will deal with it to the best of my ability.

I am no stranger to managing a low-budget football club and that experience will serve me well in the months ahead. The management team are fully aware of the situation and are equally committed to maximising the outcome. A young affordable hungry side now becomes the remit.”

McCann joined the Beavers in the summer of 2018 following the departure of successful manager Alan Dowson who left the club for at-the-time fellow league side and county neighbours Woking FC. Prior to that Dowson managed the club to promotion out of the Isthmian League Premier in 2016 and even two play-off place finishes with a play-off final defeat on penalties at their Beveree Stadium home ground to Braintree Town being Dowson’s last as manager.

In McCann’s first season as manager this season, the club secured a respectable 15th place finish with a run to the FA Cup 1st Round proper being made before falling to a 2-1 defeat to League 2 side Oldham Athletic at The Beveree Stadium.