AFC Telford finances are in a manageable place

The Bucks, whose 2020/21 National League North season was curtailed four months early due to the pandemic, have been without regular income for more than 12 months now.

They managed just one home fixture in front of supporters before the season was ended, a Boxing Day game against Chester. Supporters were, however, able to support the club financially with paid-for live streams to watch Gavin Cowan's men in action.

Speaking to supporters at this week's virtual fans' forum, Pryce said the club are becoming more sustainable to live within their means. AFC Telford United took the significant step forward in acquiring the lease to the West Stand and its facilities, as well as the New Bucks Head stadium in its entirety.

Pryce said: "From four years ago when I got involved we worked very hard to get our liabilities down.

"We're not at a point as a club where we're getting to be a sustainable club where we can live on our means.

"There's been a lot of work on and off the field, from the playing side with the budgets, and Ian (Dosser) and our accounts lady Jo (Warrilow) to keep our accounts in order.

"I would like to say we're now at a very manageable place regarding finances, if things continue then hopefully we've got a bright future on that side."

Pryce said of the move to secure the West Stand: "It's brilliant that for the first time since 2004, since the club started, we actually hold the lease for the whole site now.

"We've got no third parties to deal with, no disruptions over the other side, it's completely AFC Telford's ground, which is a huge. huge positive.

"Make no illusions it's going to be hard work and take a bit of money to get the facilities back up and running but with time and a lot of effort we'll get the West Stand back up and running. We've started work on revamping the gym, we hope it will open in the near future.

"The bar area will be open for the start of the season, all these things to bring revenue for the club.

"I can only see that as a positive for the football club."

The chairman reiterated that the club is always open to investment and potential financial support, but revealed there have been no offers in the recent past.

Pryce also said 'the ship has sailed' on the prospect of further Covid-19 relief grants from authorities, though head of football operations Luke Shelley is regularly scouting for opportunities for financial grants. An application has gone into Sport England.