New chairman hails fans for support

Peacehaven & Telscombe chairman Brian Suckling has thanked the Ryman Premier club's fans for their support since he took the helm.

Former Crawley Down Gatwick chairman Suckling, pictured, succeeded Andrew Melbourne at the Sports Park in December and was addressing fans at a meeting to outline efforts to put the Magpies back on a sound financial footing.

Suckling, who helped Crawley Down Gatwick climb from the lower reaches of the Sussex County League into the Ryman League during his 15 years at the Anvils, met with fans as he continued to restructure the club’s finances after a cut to the playing budget.

The departure of three of manager Tony Coade's highest paid players - Joe Gatting, Sami El Abd and James Fraser - has cut the wage bill in half and Suckling said: "We have to be grown up about things and not look at our finances through rose-tinted glasses. It is vital to get the finances right and get a sustainable business plan in place before we can take the club forward.

"I want to get a sound financial structure in place, re-structure the debts, work with creditors and not hide away from the problems. I think the team is good enough for us not to be in a relegation fight and I believe the task of upgrading our ground is achievable by the March 31st deadline. I want Ryman Premier League football to be played at The Sports Park again next season."

Hailing the fans, volunteers and officials, he said: "During the short period I’ve been at the club I have been delighted how welcome everyone has made me feel. There is a good group of committed people here who have the club firmly in their hearts. But there has got to be a sense of realisation of what the issues are that affect the club and then through hard work and dedication, the club will thrive.

"The strength and success of any football club is a partnership and a critical part of this partnership are the supporters. I thank each and every one of you for your help and support. You are a valuable and integral part of this football club and I want to do everything in my power to continue giving you a football team to be proud of."

Paying tribute to his predecessor Melbourne and the work of former manager Shaun Saunders, he added: "During Andrew’s three and a half years of actively being involved with this club, Peacehaven & Telscombe FC achieved the most success in their history. This wouldn’t have been possible without Andrew’s drive and enthusiasm behind the scenes and Shaun Saunders’ management skills and dedication on the playing side.

"And to both of them, I say thank-you. But now we need to stabilise things before we can move forward. Let’s continue to get behind the team and let them know how proud we are of their achievements during the last couple of seasons. And let us all take this club forward together."

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