Club Update - Chairman's message

You will doubtless have heard numerous stories about the club over the last few days and if you were not at the SGM on Tuesday then here are a few of the facts.

We are in control of the situation and have taken pre-emptive action to ensure we do not have a crisis. Revenues have not met expectation this season and the wider economy has had a bearing on that. Our playing budget was set with a mind to remain in National 1 which was always going to be a challenge. Unfortunately the gap between income and expenditure has meant we have had to make some tough decisions.

We decided to be pro-active rather than re-active and cut costs through the only way possible, that of stopping paying player and coaching salaries. The club is bigger than any one individual and the commitment of the players and support staff has given us confidence that the highest standard of rugby will continue at Volac Park and an expectation that we will remain in National 1.

Not all our players were paid and whilst our team may now be slightly depleted we have an opportunity to recruit. Our connections with Northampton and Bedford Academies remain strong and many of our colts will make their way through to the Wanderers and then the 1st XV. We are a show case for young players and Ben Spencer (now England) who was signed as a Cambridge player at the beginning of the 2010 season is an example of what we have to offer.

We have the full support of Lloyds Bank to whom we are most grateful, however to help us meet our obligations to them we are making available an advanced sale of Debentures. These represent excellent value and your purchase will help us secure our future. Please support us by contacting the secretary via the web site.

We still need volunteers to help with the players on match day and match administration (see secretary) and your generosity towards their playing expenses would be appreciated.

Finally Saturday will be the last game for two favourites at the club, Tom Wheatcroft and Ien Ascroft- Leigh. Please raise the roof for all the boys but particularly these two who we wish all the best.