Chairman’s update – Management and structure.
As you will be aware, since taking majority ownership of Chelmsford City Football Club I have maintained strong ambitions of making CCFC an EFL club. Previous endeavours, although sometimes coming close, have not proven sufficient to gain promotion from National League South. To give ourselves the best chance of attaining league status, I acknowledge that changes will need to be made. We need to do things differently.
Our approach has been where possible, to act as a football league club. While picking up and improving matters both on and off the pitch we have had to make many difficult decisions on how to move things forward. Often in these situations, the easy option would be to just continue to do what has been done in the past. Rather than take the easy option, we have always asked ourselves, “What would a league club do?”.
In the club’s ambitious pursuit of attaining EFL status, our board has decided that to give ourselves the best chance of success, we should start conducting the formal assessment of what it would take to operate as a full-time football club.
It is our plan to have completed this assessment within the next three months, so that we can have a clear plan of action ahead of next season.
This change will obviously require a significant increase in the club’s budget, which both Dan and I are willing to support if we decide that it is the right time to take this significant step. We will of course fully communicate our decision, and the key factors behind the decision, as soon as the assessment is complete.
I have been in conversation with Robbie over the last few months about the prospect of taking this key step to operating full-time.
In parallel, Robbie has been typically transparent and open with me that he has been giving thought to his own future and longer term plans. Robbie has concluded that with the positive developments of his external business interests and with a desire to spend more time with his young family, he will be stepping down as the Manager of the Club at the end of this season.
The Board and I would have loved for Robbie to continue in his role; but also fully respect his decision and wish him only the very best for the future. Robbie has confirmed that he remains fully committed to the club and our pursuit of promotion for the remainder of this season and will assist however possible in the search for his successor.
The Club would like to take this opportunity to thank Robbie for his efforts during his time with us as both player and Manager. He has given us many fond memories and has taken us agonisingly close to promotion.
I would personally like to put on record what a pleasure it has been to work with Robbie since I took over. Always positive and looking to improve the club, I have thoroughly enjoyed our time working together and I wish him every success for the future.
Undoubtedly, this announcement will bring about many questions. We intend to remain as open as possible with our supporters and will continue to provide updates as often as we can effectively do so. Please bear with us as we work tirelessly to deliver these changes to the club, and rest assured that we are fully committed to working in the best long term interests of the club and its supporters.
Now more than ever we ask for your full support for Robbie and the team to ensure a successful end to this season.
Up the Clarets
Spencer
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