SOUTHERN LEAGUE: Supermarine's Southern League future in doubt (From Swindon Advertiser)

SOUTHERN LEAGUE: Supermarine's Southern League future in doubt

7:50am Tuesday 4th May 2010 in Sport By Sam Morshead

SUPERMARINE executive committee member Steve Moore has given the community of Swindon one month to invest in the South Marston side, warning that the club could lose its Southern League status if the vital capital is not found.

Moore, who met current boss Mark Collier last week to discuss Marine’s financial stability amidst revelations the Hunts Copse chief had been approached by Weston-super-Mare, told the Advertiser he is facing the hardest decision of his 23-year association with the side.

“The club is at a crossroads, and we have a big decision facing us now,” he said.

“I am giving the club one month, from May 1 (last Saturday), to appeal to businesses, individuals and supporters.

“I am asking them, do they want to see a Southern League Premier team in Swindon?”

Moore has called a special general meeting for May 31, by which time he hopes investors will have put their names forward to help Marine pull themselves onto a financial level with their peers.

The executive committee will monitor progress throughout the next four weeks, but should the money not be forthcoming, then Moore has conceded he will have to reassess his position at the club.

“The four of us in charge at the club have done everything we can, and we are not prepared to go into next season when we don’t have the assurances to deliver,” he said.

“What the players receive now is the most modest and most reasonable amount to compete at this level.

“We have struggled, for various reasons, and we can’t match a lot of other clubs.”

The loss of two major sponsors in the past two seasons has left a £25,000 hole in Marine’s finances, and Moore has yet to find a large enough plug to fully stabilise the club.

Now the former chairman has made a last-ditch appeal to anyone and everyone associated with the team to dig deep, in an effort to secure its future at its current level, although he maintained Marine could survive lower down the league ladder.

“We need about £1,000 a week more, and anyone who is interested should ring me to discuss what support they may be able to give,” he said.

“This is not me crying wolf, this is the truth.”

Any prospective investors can contact Moore on 07786004837.