Chesterfield FC Community Trust outlines plans for Spireites once takeover is complete

Chesterfield FC "must live within its means” but “must strive to assemble a squad capable of returning to the Football League”, according to the club’s potential new owners.
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Chesterfield FC Community Trust is close to buying the club from owner Dave Allen.

The trust is a registered charity which works alongside the club but is a separate entity.

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Releasing a statement on Monday outlining its plans, the trust said “financial stability is of the utmost importance” and they plan to break even within three years by “maximising income streams and reducing costs.”

Chesterfield FC could have new owners by the end of March.Chesterfield FC could have new owners by the end of March.
Chesterfield FC could have new owners by the end of March.

New initiatives include the opening of a supporters’ bar, an increased number of major high level events, an overhaul of the conference and banqueting offer while more emphasis will be put on encouraging families and the wider community, particularly schools, to attend games.

The purchase of the club is now subject to final approval from funding partners and it is hoped that the deal will be concluded by the end of March, the trust said.

Mike Goodwin, chairman of the community trust, said that the club “must live within its means” but that they “must strive to assemble a squad capable of returning to the Football League.”

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“It has been a lengthy process as we have been working hard behind the scenes since first registering our interest in purchasing the club in October,” Mr Goodwin said.

“The club’s financial position has been well-documented and the focus initially has to be on securing financial stability.

“We have to be realistic, the club must live within its means and much of the planning has centred around making it a viable entity, with cost savings identified as well as a need for controlled budget management.

“It is important that Chesterfield FC is a true community club, providing supporters and members of the community with a voice and encouraging input where possible.

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“On the field, we must strive to assemble a squad capable of returning the club to the Football League.

“We appreciate that supporters will have many questions relating to the trust’s plans. At the appropriate time, we will be holding Q&A sessions to answer any questions.”

The Trust also says it aims to “create a bridge between the community and the football club through a positive culture operating with openness, honesty, transparency and sustainability.”

Within the last five years, the trust says it has increased its operations from a turnover and staff count of £40,000 and 10 officers to £1m and 50 respectively.

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The trust runs a number of community projects ranging from health and wellbeing, including mental health and an award-winning substance misuse programme, to engaging with schools in north Derbyshire.