Shropshire Star

AFC Telford financial problems: Club set to reveal cash woes

AFC Telford United were today set to shed further light on their off-field struggles as the club's board seek the best way to tackle increasing financial pressures.

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A statement, the wording of which was among several items discussed at a board meeting last night, is expected to provide further details on the current state of the Bucks finances.

It is thought the statement will also discuss a proposal for changing the club's ownership model.

Telford are currently owned 100 per cent by a supporters' trust and there is a growing belief it has become a significant barrier to attracting outside investment.

Appeals for fresh investors to come forward have been frequent since a claim, made 12 months ago by former managing director Lee Carter, that the club might cease to exist if new revenue streams could not be found.

Sources close to the board insist Telford are not in debt to HMRC and players and staff have been paid. There is an acknowledgement, however, that an injection of funds is required if they are to again become competitive in National League North, a division in which they currently sit 19th.

Concerns were heightened over the weekend when it emerged that no team bus was provided for the trip to Bradford Park Avenue, with staff and players forced to make their own way to and from West Yorkshire.

Winger Micah Evans, meanwhile, became the latest player to leave the playing squad, joining Worcester City after the Bucks agreed to his release.

Boss Rob Smith, who insisted it remains business as usual for him and assistant Larry Chambers, has not been helped by the absence of Darren Campion for "personal issues" but does hope to have Josh Wilson back for Saturday's game with FC United.

The 28-year-old was named on the bench at Bradford but, according to Smith, didn't even get changed.

He said: "Josh is zero per cent fit but we had nobody else to name on the bench."

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