The Football Club Annual General Meeting was held this morning.
Shareholders of CFC 2001 Ltd heard from chairman Ash ley Kirk, effective owner Sharon Kirk, vice-chairman Mike Goodwin, CEO John Croot and CFO Andy Fantom. David Beaverstock, the newly appointed commercial director, was also introduced to the members.
Ashley Kirk opened the meeting with remarks about pride in the return to the Football League. However, the season was clearly overshadowed by Phil’s illness and the emotion of his subsequent passing. Sharon and Ashley were intent on honouring Phil’s legacy. Ashley also paid a tribute to his predecessor as chairman, Mike Goodwin, who he said had clearly left the club in a better position than when he took over.
A major factor going forward will be the Independent Football Regulator. The club is in favour of this move and has offered itself as a pilot club. Ashley said he was comfortable with all that was asked as Chesterfield FC became a regulated business.
The new strategy agreed by the board was outlined with plans for the Chesterfield to be an established League One club with a significantly reduced dependence on financial support from the owner.
In questions around the accounts, it was stated that the playing budget for the year was £3.3m which placed us seventh in the division. Promotion to League One would guarantee an extra £900k but commercial opportunities and attendances, including visiting fans, could increase significantly.
From the members it was suggested that organic growth was only around 7% and there was a question of whether this was sufficient. The board outlined a new project to engage more supporters to move towards 9,000 regular home fans. It was recognised that this would mean a cultural change in town but this had already been started and recognised with the commitment to the Community Trust tickets. The role of the new commercial director would be vital in building the brand.
On the immediate future for ownership, Sharon and Ashley said that they would want to be around for while ever the landscape meant Sharon’s level of support was comfortable. There were no immediate plans to seek external investors.
It was confirmed that plans were being prepared for a building as requested by the football staff on the training ground as long as it was viable.
The accounts were agreed by the members. The resolutions that allocated £5m of shares and allowed the board to issue them to Sharon Kirk were also agreed.
