Football’s coming home! Robins’ plan for the return of football

FROME Town Football Club is looking ahead to the sport returning to ‘The Nest’ after the news that the 2020/21 league season has ended prematurely.

“As you know the League have declared the 2020-21 season finished,” said club chairman Derek Graham. “That came as no surprise, but we are still waiting to hear what impact, if any, that is going to make on the proposed restructuring of the Leagues in our tier. 

“We have been pushing hard for a points per game assessment from over the last two seasons to determine any automatic promotions. Obviously a lot of self interest there! We shall see what happens, but we can only hope. So, we will be planning as if we won’t have any changes, and we will have to go up as champions next season.

“The really good news is that from 21st June it looks like we are back to full capacity. We are not yet sure what the League will let us do before that date. 

“Our crowds have been growing with our average now well over the 300 mark, we won’t be stopping there as we want to see 500, then 1,000 coming on our match days. The hub of every community should be a strong football club accessible to all.

“Whilst, at the time of writing we do not know when the 2021-22 season will start, there is a consensus amongst clubs that we want to play as many pre-season friendlies as practicable. 

“A lot of players will not have played competitive football for months, and we need to get everyone up to full match fitness and see what the squad looks like. We are now working hard to arrange friendlies that will excite as well as prepare us for the next season, and I am already able to share some great news!

“Here’s a date for your Robin’s Nest Football Diary – Friday 16th July, Frome Town AFC v Bath City – a local derby on a warm summer evening with a beer or two, what could be better! Details on tickets will be announced at a later date.

“Expect some more good news on the pre-season front over the next couple of weeks. Also watch this space for some exciting news shortly of an adult local summer tournament and also the return of our ever popular family day in June/July.”

Club Finances

“Amongst all the good news and progress, there are some things that really are not better. In a season where we have lost almost all our revenue we are having to work really hard to maintain this year’s budget plan. Whilst there are a number of grant/loan applications in the pipeline, they have yet to filter through. Some will have to be repaid and others will only cover costs we cannot avoid. 

“I want to thank Danny (Greaves, the manager) and Gary (Collinson, on the commercial side) for working hard to cut expenditure down to a minimum, and I especially want to thank the players for their understanding in these uncertain times.

“We are working hard at a range of fundraising initiatives and hope when these are announced that people can help by either partaking, volunteering or helping spread the word.

“All this is why initiatives such as the 50/50 prize draw are a lifeline. With the amount of people currently signed up we are now guaranteeing at least a £300 in each monthly prize pot. So far there have already been 9 happy winners. Please do join!

“I want personally to thank those amazing winners who have so kindly donated their prize money back to the Club. So with £300 coming into the club each month it really does help.

“Finally, I am looking forward to welcoming all our supporters and visitors back through the turnstiles to once again enjoy some cracking football.”

Picture: club chairman Derek Graham