Sheffield Eagles work on financing their future

Sheffield Eagles chief operating officer Liam Claffey says progress off the field has been sufficient enough to allow coach Mark Aston to press ahead with his recruitment drive for 2019.
Mark AstonMark Aston
Mark Aston

The Eagles have admitted their struggles to meet unexpected costs at their Olympic Legacy Park home this season, but following meetings with the council and landlords Scarborough Group, Claffey says progress has been made behind the scenes.

Planning has been submitted for the full development of the site by 2020, and the Eagles have seen enough to commit themselves to remaining in Sheffield, with Claffey confirming a budget is close enough to being rubber-stamped which has now allowed Aston the green light to strengthen.

"We are close to finalising our budgets,' he said

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'We know that things will be tight but we believe over the next few weeks Mark will be able to move towards a confirmed squad for next season.

'It is looking positive. Chris Noble, our chairman, and the RFL have met with the council. They have held some private meetings which we can't divulge, but we are happy that things have moved forward for us. Our relationship with the council appears to have been repaired from both sides, so we can move forward. We are staying here next season, but hopefully we can have everything finalised very soon and then we can announce season ticket prices. 

'Scarborough Group have been very positive with us. Nothing is finalised, but there isn't anywhere else for us to play in the city, we have found that before, so this is the place we need to play. We want to get deal agreed that helps the club move on and progress.'

Whilst far from an ideal situation, the fact that Aston can now look to bring new faces into the club is step forward on the last two years, where the Eagles were fighting just to remain afloat.

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Claffey confirmed that targets have been set to produce vital revenue for next season, as the Eagles look to stay on an even keel ready to hit the ground running for the OLP's completion in 2020.

'We really need to be ready for when the stadium is finished, that's a big opportunity for the club to move forward,' he added.

'We have set ourselves some high targets in terms of season ticket sales and sponsorship agreements, but they are attainable.'