Cowdenleith Posted September 24, 2023 Share Posted September 24, 2023 35 minutes ago, Pyramid Watcher said: The following players are available for loan or transfer- Calum Antell Goalkeeper – Lives Edinburgh area Blair Sneddon Left Back Lives- Falkirk Alex Harris Centre or Left Midfield- Lives Edinburgh Michael Travis Centre Back – Lives Fife Graham Taylor Right Midfield Lives- Stirling Liam Buchanan Forward- Lives Edinburgh Lewis Baker Forward- Lives Fife All very well saying they are available, but unless they have consulted the players, which would seem unlikely given it was just last night they got emptied from the cup, the players hold the aces. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cowdenleith Posted September 24, 2023 Share Posted September 24, 2023 (edited) I follow Liam Buchanan on Instagram and just watched the videos he’s posted. Sounds like the players were told on the bus on the way down the road, and he was told (asked?) to find a new club. He sounds pretty devastated to be honest, he was quite emotional. I’m sure there will be interest in him no problem. Edited September 24, 2023 by Cowdenleith 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Footballfirst Posted September 24, 2023 Share Posted September 24, 2023 | CLUB FINANCIAL UPDATE On Saturday, the club exited the Scottish Cup following a 5-1 defeat to Brora Rangers. The investment made in preparing the team in the best possible way for this cup tie has been well-documented, with the club booking a luxury coach, overnight hotel stay and lunch arranged for the players ahead of the match. No one was more disappointed with the result than the Board of Directors and management team, who apologised to travelling supporters after the match for the team’s performance. We would like to wish Brora Rangers well for the rest of their Scottish Cup campaign and thank them for their hospitality. As our Scottish Cup campaign – a potentially lucrative source of income for all clubs at our level – is now over, we believe it is the right time to update the fans on the financial position of the club. Although we are still awaiting our final audited accounts, we wanted to inform supporters that it is likely Berwick Rangers FC PLC will be reporting a loss of £115,000 for the financial year ending on May 31st 2023. As you will no doubt understand, a loss of this magnitude simply cannot be repeated, and changes are now afoot to prevent this happening again. To provide some background, following the previously precarious financial position the club found itself in during early 2020, the Board of Directors worked tirelessly to generate income and did so, thanks in no small part to the overwhelming generosity and support provided to the club by supporters during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with various grants that the club received during that difficult time. As a result, the club found itself in a position to invest significantly into the playing squad with the ambition of achieving promotion and a three-year plan was put in place to do that starting in the 2021/22 season, with the third season being this current campaign. Over both the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons, gradual progression was seen on the pitch, with a best finish of fifth in the Lowland League in 2022/23 – albeit 18 points behind champions Spartans. When the new Chairman assumed his position in late January 2023, most of the playing squad were already contracted for the 2023/24 season, and the hope was that the team could continue its progression and be competing at the top end of the Lowland League. However, the early Scottish Cup exit, combined with currently sitting mid-table in the Lowland League and the financial position the club finds itself in, means that the Board of Directors no longer feel as though the end-goal of this three-year plan is achievable, with urgent action required. Injuries to key players, the recent break-ins and away cup draws have not helped. Despite attempts to increase revenue to support an inflated wage bill – for the previous financial year the wage bill stood at 95% of the PLC’s turnover – the club now needs to cut costs. Manager Stuart Malcolm has been included in our discussions as we have looked to address the financial position of the club. We remain committed to working with Stuart as he seeks to restructure his squad within a budget that will ensure the club has the playing and administrative resources to continue to operate. Stuart understands the ethos and values of our club and has led us to our most successful league seasons in the past 15 years – in terms of number of wins, points per game and goals scored. We fully believe in the coaching team of Stuart, Dean Shanks and Thomas Scobbie as we being this restructuring process. Looking forward… At the AGM in January 2023, we – the current Board of Directors – set out our vision for Berwick Rangers FC to provide a great day out, to be a force for good within our community, and to be here for the long term. We have made demonstrable progress on all of these fronts. In the short-term, average match attendance is up c.10% on last season, season ticket sales are up 26%, club memberships are up 31% and matchday takings are up 160%. There are no quick fixes, but feel it is important to be open about what lies ahead as we continue to work tirelessly as custodians of this great club. The past eight months has also seen the club take steps to set a strong platform for the medium and long-term. Significant work has taken place at the club to allow us to continue to meet the Scottish FA’s licensing criteria, while we have also had to carry out repairs to the ground’s electrics, lighting, and now club shop following the break-in earlier this month. We identified that the club could generate new revenue from making greater use of our facilities, through a wider calendar of events, room hire, and the expansion of footballing activities through Berwick Rangers Community Academy, which itself secured a landmark partnership with local business Simpsons Malt Limited earlier this year. As a result, we have also invested in the playing surface at Shielfield Park to ensure it is in the best possible condition every single weekend. This rapid growth in our commercial activities, along with increased matchday turnover, the selling of almost all matchday sponsorship opportunities for the 2023/24 season and massively increased footfall at Shielfield Park across the week – regularly between 800-1,000 people per week across all teams and events – would not have been possible without the hard work of our operational staff. We would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their continued commitment and efforts. These events, as well as football being played at Shielfield Park multiple times per week, further support the financial health of the club. The club’s financial position is a major concern, but it would be in a far worse place were it not for the backing that has been shown to us by so many supporters. Whether that is through increased attendances, Club 1881 memberships, corporate sponsorships, attending club events and a range of other ways, our supporters remain the lifeblood of the club. We are incredibly grateful for your support through recent challenges and ask for you to continue on this journey with us. In the short-term, our aim is to ensure the club reaches the end of the season with money in the bank, allowing us to stabilise the finances of the team next year. This will then provide us with the solid footing needed to enact a longer-term strategy for the club, as over the next five to ten years we aim to be working in close partnership with Berwick Rangers Community Academy to ensure that young players are supported to make the jump to senior football, and represent their hometown. We will continue to provide support to Berwick Rangers Community Academy, and stay in touch with other football organisations in the local area to keep us all working for the good of the community. If we stay together and keep pushing in the same direction, there will be many more bright days to come for Berwick Rangers FC. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UsedToGoToCentralPark Posted September 24, 2023 Share Posted September 24, 2023 Hope you find a way through this, always been a bit of a bond between both clubs. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PELE Posted September 24, 2023 Share Posted September 24, 2023 It's a shame. Sadly, at the moment, it takes even more money than this to be serious about promotion back to League 2. If you don't have the money, which most clubs don't, then you need a shrewd manager and shrewd recruitment. Even then the likes of EK can still be too strong. Maybe if they finally go up this season the Lowland League might be wide open next season. Hopefully you don't nosedive after this. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only coo in the village Posted September 24, 2023 Share Posted September 24, 2023 Tough times for Berwick. Can definitely empathise with the struggles you are facing. Obviously we have had a rivalry over the years but I wish you all the best in overcoming your current financial difficulties. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redcar Posted September 24, 2023 Author Share Posted September 24, 2023 3 hours ago, Cowdenleith said: I follow Liam Buchanan on Instagram and just watched the videos he’s posted. Sounds like the players were told on the bus on the way down the road, and he was told (asked?) to find a new club. He sounds pretty devastated to be honest, he was quite emotional. I’m sure there will be interest in him no problem. Yeah. I've watched them too and you have to feel for him. Clearly he had even less idea than the fans that the club couldn't sustain the level of spending that brought him and others to the club. Must seem very unfair to him, but once the club had no chance of winning anything meaningful (September for Christ's sake!), this way of saving money was probably inevitable under the new chairman. I'd have a lot more sympathy though, if he could explain why he thinks we regularly play shite football and get stuffed at Brora despite serious money being thrown at the squad. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1GregStewart Posted September 25, 2023 Share Posted September 25, 2023 6 hours ago, Redcar said: Yeah. I've watched them too and you have to feel for him. Clearly he had even less idea than the fans that the club couldn't sustain the level of spending that brought him and others to the club. Must seem very unfair to him, but once the club had no chance of winning anything meaningful (September for Christ's sake!), this way of saving money was probably inevitable under the new chairman. I'd have a lot more sympathy though, if he could explain why he thinks we regularly play shite football and get stuffed at Brora despite serious money being thrown at the squad. That’s pretty obvious though and doesn’t need to be said. Players recruited haven’t been good enough, and if they are then not getting the best out of them as a team. Might be a mixture of both. Just because you are spending relatively high for the LL doesn’t guarantee success.It’s not like you have a huge financial advantage like Celtic does in the Premiership. Never as simple as that. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cowdenleith Posted September 25, 2023 Share Posted September 25, 2023 The Scottish Cup exit part of the statement seems a bit of a red herring to me. The extra money for advancing is relatively small until later rounds, but welcome, the only chance to make some real cash would be a 3rd round draw away at the likes of Dundee Utd or Dunfermline or getting through to the 4th round. Both those scenarios would take some real fortune. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wulliemc Posted September 25, 2023 Share Posted September 25, 2023 Be good to get the thoughts of Berwick-the-unsustainable on this one 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cowdenleith Posted September 25, 2023 Share Posted September 25, 2023 10 minutes ago, wulliemc said: Be good to get the thoughts of Berwick-the-unsustainable on this one It’s not even 8am and you’ve got post of the day hands down, only wish I had thought of that one. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cowdenbeath Posted September 25, 2023 Share Posted September 25, 2023 12 hours ago, Redcar said: Absolutely agree. Won't be easy. A few might attract attention though - Buchanan, Travis, Taylor, Antell maybe. Suppose it depends how much their wages are, they all came direct from the SPFL so I imagine they will be quite high. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cowdenbeath Posted September 25, 2023 Share Posted September 25, 2023 8 hours ago, Redcar said: Yeah. I've watched them too and you have to feel for him. Clearly he had even less idea than the fans that the club couldn't sustain the level of spending that brought him and others to the club. Must seem very unfair to him, but once the club had no chance of winning anything meaningful (September for Christ's sake!), this way of saving money was probably inevitable under the new chairman. I'd have a lot more sympathy though, if he could explain why he thinks we regularly play shite football and get stuffed at Brora despite serious money being thrown at the squad. I feel a bit sorry for the new chairman. Going by the statement the squad had been signed up for this season before he took over in January. He seems to be breathing life into the club with a few decent ideas. As for the players if they are on really decent money they must know it’s never going to last forever. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
berwick-the-unbeatable Posted September 25, 2023 Share Posted September 25, 2023 On 23/09/2023 at 20:04, Cowdenleith said: Anyone seen @berwick-the-unbeatable lately . You alright pal? 20 hours ago, Blue Brazil Forever said: Why not ask berwick-the-unbeatable. He has the answer to it all 3 hours ago, wulliemc said: Be good to get the thoughts of Berwick-the-unsustainable on this one It's fantastic that during these tough times, Cowdenbeath FC fans come together to remind me that I am absolutely living in your heads, completely free of any rental charges. I have to thank you all for your kindness and compassion, and for reminding me that I truly do keep you all tucked away in my back pocket. Thank you! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
berwicksfinest Posted September 25, 2023 Share Posted September 25, 2023 I understand the sentiments yet one thing remains unanswered, The boards idea of a 3 year plan, to spend on the team as a push for league status. Someone has chosen these players, and negotiated terms, Someone has sanctioned the money to be spent. To my mind that someone should be held to account, So our top scorer and a pretty decent keeper are up for sale, can't see any defeats coming now then !!!! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cowdenleith Posted September 25, 2023 Share Posted September 25, 2023 1 hour ago, berwick-the-unbeatable said: It's fantastic that during these tough times, Cowdenbeath FC fans come together to remind me that I am absolutely living in your heads, completely free of any rental charges. I have to thank you all for your kindness and compassion, and for reminding me that I truly do keep you all tucked away in my back pocket. Thank you! Never disappoint 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cowdenleith Posted September 25, 2023 Share Posted September 25, 2023 2 hours ago, cowdenbeath said: I feel a bit sorry for the new chairman. Going by the statement the squad had been signed up for this season before he took over in January. He seems to be breathing life into the club with a few decent ideas. As for the players if they are on really decent money they must know it’s never going to last forever. I think Liam Buchanan only re-signed for 23/24 in February this year so presumably the new chairman would have sanctioned his signing. Probably Liam was one that they just couldn’t not re-sign, such was his impact. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CowdenLoyal Posted September 25, 2023 Share Posted September 25, 2023 Only one club in this league where Bucks will end up methinks. Be amazed if he didn't end up at £K. In spite of my very first memory of visiting Berwick was seeing a brawl break out after full time as well as the many other scuffles that happened around that time, I wish you guys all the best. A brutally honest statement that could come from a number of clubs looking to get out this league. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omnishambles Posted September 25, 2023 Share Posted September 25, 2023 (edited) 32 minutes ago, CowdenLoyal said: Only one club in this league where Bucks will end up methinks. Be amazed if he didn't end up at £K. In spite of my very first memory of visiting Berwick was seeing a brawl break out after full time as well as the many other scuffles that happened around that time, I wish you guys all the best. A brutally honest statement that could come from a number of clubs looking to get out this league. Would 100% take him at Foresters but can see him fulfilling EK's quota of signing a new player every week off the back of beating someone 8 or 9 nil. Edited September 25, 2023 by Omnishambles 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewtonBU Posted September 25, 2023 Share Posted September 25, 2023 I may be wrong but to me the statement implies that player deals were already in place prior to the new chairman being appointed in an effort to deflect any blame however as someone has pointed out above there were players who agreed new deals on wages (which IMO are not sustainable at this level) after he came in. We certainly lost one of our top earners in Jamie McCormack who was quite vocal in the lucrative amounts he was being offered to sign. surely a club of this stature wasn’t pinning all their hopes of financial stability on a run in the Scottish as we’ve seen already that draw is a lottery (Tranent vs EK etc). unlike a small minority who will no doubt take pleasure in any big clubs demise I sincerely hope Berwick can stabilise and continue to be competitive. Personally I think they’ve been a great addition to the LL and always enjoy a trip down there to watch u take on Boness all the best ️ 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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