In my second year as Supporters Club Treasurer, I have continued to manage the change and development of our finances.
Following our last Annual General Meeting in November 2024, a question from one of our members regarding investment led us to focus on our income streams, re-examining donations and sponsorships.
Our website was relaunched in July 2024, and the impact of our fresh and dynamic site on membership auto-renewal initially had an adverse effect on our membership numbers, resulting in a drop in income generated.
Our challenge, following many years of auto-renewals, was to review the value of being a member of the Supporters Club. We have been reviewing membership benefits throughout the year, focusing on providing new and innovative ways to reward existing members and attract new ones.
An opportunity to enhance our retail offerings arose last autumn, when the owners of ‘Crossed Swords (1883)’ made it known that the brand name and all existing stock were available for purchase. They had been in discussions with the club and other interested parties regarding a potential sale, although they had not yet accepted an offer.
We discussed the purchase as a committee and decided to make an offer, as we felt the brand would serve as a vehicle for us to move forward and develop an improved retail offering.
Following lengthy discussions with the owners, I was able to agree on the purchase of their remaining stock and, importantly, the ‘Crossed Swords’ trademark.
We have sold 99% of the old stock and have begun to develop our own range of Crossed Swords 1883 merchandise.
The fall in membership income prompted us to re-evaluate our donations and sponsorships; however, we continued to support the Community Trust by providing funds for laptops for students. We have since spent time reviewing this area, following several years of supporting the Gas Girls and funding ground improvements for our disabled supporters.
Looking forward to the coming financial year, our efforts have started to reap the rewards of the committee’s endeavours. Our matchday takings are at a record high, we have been able to produce a matchday programme, and enhancing away travel has rewarded frequent travellers and young supporters.
Clive Marshall
Treasurer