It is tinged with great sadness that I must inform you all that in my capacity as chairman of Gorleston Football Club that we will not now be following up our interest in promotion to step 4 for the following season. We have always said that if all aspects on and off the field were in place that we would pursue our ambitions and that of our manager and players.

Unfortunately several off field issues have arisen over the past couple of months that make our application for next season unattainable. First of all we had our recent ground inspection and the modifications that are required for the step up are both costly and would not be completed within the required timescale but at least we know what they are now and can approach in a controlled manner for any future applications.

For many years we had sponsorship to cover the rental of Emerald Park but have been informed recently that the sponsorship from Pleasure & Leisure will no longer continue and from next season we have to pay a considerable monthly rental for the facility, this we will do but it takes away much needed funds that would have assisted us had we moved up to the next level.

After many years of loyal service to the club both Mick Santon our Treasurer and Ann Santon our Secretary are to retire at the end of this season having put in an amazing effort over the years on behalf of the club, we thank them for their great service to the club and they will always be held in high esteem for their efforts but it is another strong reason not to go for promotion this year with having a brand new treasurer and secretary on board.

We tried right up to the last minute to make this work, to match our manager Stuart Larter and his player’s ambitions but realise we are just custodians of the club and will not jeopardise it’s long term future to appease our short term goals. It isn’t that long ago that the club were in the First Division and have made remarkable strides forward in the past few seasons finishing a very credible third last year and looking to maybe go at least one better this season and a Norfolk Senior Cup final to look forward to.

We are not saying we will never go for promotion, I have a burning desire to see us play at a higher level but not at any cost, we still have unfinished business in the Thurlow Nunn league and I would like to see us champions of the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division before climbing to the next level, if you look at similar clubs in our area most have gone for promotion on the back of good FA Cup or FA Vase runs as this had given them a financial boost.
I hope our players and especially our fans are not too disappointed and understand why myself and the committee have came to the decision, we need you right behind us going forward and hopefully we can all move up a step together but not before all that is required is put properly into place.

Alan Gordon
Chairman

Gorleston Football Club