Lancaster City FC Official Website

After reports that the wage budget for the 2012/13 playing season was to be cut our supporters rallied in an attempt to bridge this wage gap to ensure a competitive playing season for the football club. The resultant fans' forum had a great turnout Tuesday evening at the Dolly Blue Tavern. The fans' forum originated after club officials acted upon suggestions from supporters of creating a fans' fund to supplement the playing budget, which is indeed unfortunately being cut by approximately 25% due to the costs of essential ground changes this summer.

The idea raised on the forum was that of supporters banding together to contribute a meaningful monthly sum which quickly gained huge support and momentum. The following forum was extremely well attended and chaired by directors Mick Hoyle, Ian Sharp, Dave Needham and Eric Williams. The meeting began with a frank explanation of the situation of the club and the reason cuts have been made for the following season and what is expected to happen this summer. They confirmed that Tony Hesketh and new assistant manager Barrie Stimpson will still have full links with Myerscough as with previous seasons. A further announcement was made that an under-18s side, with complete emphasis on developing local talent from Lancaster, Morecambe and the surrounded areas, will also be set up this summer having applied for a place in the North West Youth Alliance League.

The conversation of the fans' fund began by discussion of how to proceed and operate the fund and it was decided a committee, run by nominated fans, was the most suitable way to move forward. A treasurer will head this committee and will be responsible for ensuring fans successfully set up their contributions. The nominated committee members were Steve Wright (Treasurer and current Netbusters operator), Jonny Crossley, Elaine Heron and Aaron Jackson with contact details listed below:


Steve Wright (Treasurer) - stevemrw1964@aol.com / Tele: 0796006262
Jonny Crossley - jacrossley@live.co.uk
Elaine Heron - bandeheron@btinternet.com
Aaron Jackson - ap.Jackson@live.co.uk


It was decided that a monthly standing order into a separate LCFC account held by the committee would be the method of contribution, with the individual monthly amounts donated completely up to those taking part. These standing orders are to be made on the 28TH of each month starting June 28th. We ask everyone who wishes to be involved have their standing orders set up by June 28th to allow the club to budget accordingly for the rest of the season with enough time for manager Tony Hesketh to utilise the extra resources. The treasurer (Steve Wright) holds the details of this account and should be contacted by phone or email by those wishing to donate. Those who were at the forum should have already obtained these details at the end of the evening.

The committee secured 40 provisional signatures of those wishing to donate on Tuesday evening with the majority pledging to donate the initially suggested figure of £10 a month. At the time of writing this statement treasurer Steve Wright has confirmed 13 of these donors with a current running-total of £152/month. This figure brings huge optimism for the football club and its supporters after just three days and with the majority of provisional donors still to be contacted/confirmed. Our supporters tell us many who were unable to attend on Tuesday also wish to donate and anyone wishing to do so should contact Steve Wright for the necessary details and information. Anyone with any other general questions about the committee and the fans' fund may feel free to contact any other the other committee members.

We understand that for one reason or another, some may wish to pay a monthly donation via cash in person. We strongly recommend a monthly standing order for budgeting reasons however we will happily accept donations in any form. Those wishing to donate without using standing orders should contact one of the committee members.

On a final note, we ask that any fans’ fund donation doesn't deduct from the usual donations and schemes that many of us do such as Gold Bond and Netbusters. This fund is an extra donation to help our football club and one that could make all the difference. A follow-up fans' forum will be held on Tuesday 3rd of July at 7:30PM in the Dolly Blue Tavern to discuss the progress of the fans' fund and the football club before the beginning of preseason.

Thank you to anyone who has donated/wishes to donate for your fantastic support. We ask that our supporters help spread the word of this fund over the coming weeks to ensure the best possible outcome for this truly amazing gesture from our fans.


Jonny Crossley,

Lancaster City FC Fans’ Fund Committee Member.