CEO James Leary gives the following update:
As the dust settles on a 2nd season competing in the National League North, it’s a good time to reflect on the season and where we are heading.
Appointing Bobby as manager was a no brainer and he has taken to it like a duck to water. It is clear to see the bond he has with the players and how they give absolutely everything they have got to play for him and Marine. The support from Neil Young gives us a great blend of skills to take us forward on the pitch.
Finishing 12th, up from the previous seasons finish of 15th, represents progression and reaching the semi-final of the FA Trophy was a brilliant achievement. The way the Semi-Final ended, with Fin’s stonewall penalty not being given then Wealdstone scoring at the death was a really a bitter pill to swallow. The memories that a trip to Wembley would have created for everyone connected with our club would have been special. Not to mention the £150k-£200k of additional income which would have set us up for years ahead and would have solved some key challenges as we navigate through our aims to building a new stadium. But, putting that to one side, it was an enjoyable season to consolidate our place in the National League system and we can be proud of the efforts of the players and the management team.
The National League North, financially, is a brutal league. The increase in costs across the board presents a real challenge and as a fan owned club is something we continue to battle against. The clubs coming into the league this year have big budgets such as Morecambe, Brackley, Hednesford and Spalding and it only continues to make things tougher. We launched our Boost the Budget scheme this month to support Bobby and his playing budget next season. It is crucial that in this important period for the football club we build as strong a squad as we possibly can. Last year we generated over £20k and it would be great if we could beat that this year. Thank you to everyone who has donated. Click here to donate: Boost The Budget | Marine FC Tickets.
Our women’s team consolidated with a 4th placed finish following their promotion the season before under the guidance of Von Parker-Sheridan. They have aims to push on towards promotion again next season.
Off the field, we have continued our progress towards a new stadium. Over the course of the season we have had so many twists, turns, ups, downs and we have spent hours and hours getting to where we are now. The current status is as follows:
Planning
We currently are in the middle of a Planning Performance Agreement process with Sefton Council. There are three meetings with Sefton Council and we have already had two of them with the 3rd expected to be mid-June. Once all meetings have been completed, we will then look to do a public consultation in July / August. We will then be in a position to submit our full planning application soon after.
Contracts
Following the signing of our option agreement to secure the land in 2025, now that all surveys and reports have been completed, the final contracts are being drafted between Bellway / Landowner / Marine Association Football Club. It will be a massive step for our football club when the final agreements are signed which will mean the land will exchange subject to a successful planning decision.
Funding
After 12 months of exploration, our funding plan is taking shape. The stadium will be financed through a combination of sources: the Bellway donation, a grant from the Premier League Stadium Fund, a private fund and – subject to ongoing conversations – contributions from the Football Foundation and hopefully the Liverpool City Region. We will look to raise the remaining balance through fundraising initiatives once planning permission has been secured and these will be announced in due course.
Design
Through the last 12 months we have made some tweaks to the designs and I believe the revised plans are improved from the previously released plans. Once the final contracts have been signed we will host meetings with supporters to share the final plans in detail and give an update.
I believe that, for Marine Football Club, this stadium is needed to continue our development, and more importantly to safeguard the football club for decades to come. Believe me that we have had so many obstacles, setbacks and hurdles over the last 3 years, but we have battled through each of them and now feel so close to the finishing line. To see how much work has been put in by everyone will make it a real source of pride if we do get it over the line – I know how much people have put into this scheme including the landowner, Bellway Homes, our architect Tony Diaz Associates, the Marine FC board, PWA Planning Consultants, other consultants appointed for the scheme including Highways consultants WSP, our solicitor, Sefton Council, Liverpool County FA and I could go on and on. It has been a real team effort and we are now joined up in our push to get the job done.
We recently announced Jamie Carragher has joined the football club as advisor. I’ve said before that we are a fan owned club in a league full of millionaires. The other fan owned clubs have attendances double the size of ours. We have to do things differently and be best in class at what we do and the decisions we take. Jamie has been great and his experience, contacts and reputation will be crucial as we look to navigate the upcoming challenges with the stadium and on field progression. If you are someone who shares our ambition and wants to explore getting involved with Marine FC at any level, I would love to hear from you at ceo@marinefc.com.
Darren Court, our Business Development Manager, has lots of new ideas including the launch of our 500 Club. Anyone interested in sponsorship for next season or joining the 500 Club should contact Darren at partnerships@marinefc.com or for more information click: Marine launch 500 Club commercial membership | Marine Football Club
Our midweek academy led by Chris Stammers and the team continues to grow and our weekend academy led by 7Elite moves into its second season, after winning promotion in their first season playing in the West Cheshire League. Any players looking to join either academy should contact us direct and we will connect you to the relevant team. Our feeder partner club Crosby Stuart FC continues to strengthen with its plans to develop Brookvale led by Frankie and Ben.
Ahead of next season, the majority of Bobby’s team from last season’s squad have already committed to the club. Bobby and Neil have also identified a number of players they would like to bring to the club and Bobby is happy where we are at this stage and where we need to get to.
Season tickets have gone on sale and we are now over 250 which is a great effort for so early in the summer. We have changed entry policy for next season – 14 / 15 year olds will be able to attend matches without need to be accompanied by an adult. We want the next generation of Marine fans coming, making memories and developing that connection with the club.
The support in general over the last 12 months has been absolutely brilliant once again. Full away buses. People travelling by any and every mode of transport to get to games. Crosender Way continuing to impact the club in a positive way for example with the food bank collections and the many podcasts.
The new Marine Fans Board have been a really positive introduction lead by Paul Sutherland. They have lots of ideas to try and take things forward and improve attendances.
The number of Marine In The Community activities has grown again fuelled by the new additional space in the community hub. We’ve got everything in it now including Zumba, Yoga, Arts Classes, Meditation Classes, a choir, tai-chi, pilates, boys youth club and girls youth club starting next week. Well done to Graeme, Sean and the team for their progress.
This season has been a real team effort with everyone working hard and pulling in the same direction – fans, stewards, board, volunteers, sponsors, staff, partners.
Thank you to everyone for playing your part. Have a great summer.
James
