On
a seismic day at Priory Lane, the club has announced a financial appeal and a
major re-structuring both on and off the field.
The
Sports boss has been released on what club officials describe as “entirely
amicable terms”.
The
departing boss told https://www.ebfc.co.uk: "I would like to start by
thanking everyone associated with Eastbourne Borough football club for the way
they have treated me since day one of me joining this fantastic community club.
"I
would like to put on record that I am disappointed that things didn’t come to
fruition but the clarity the club have shown me over recent weeks has been
great and I really hope the club finds the investor it needs to get out of
financial trouble and become successful as it has so much potential.
"I
part company with a heavy heart but also know it’s best for both parties. All
the best for the future."
At
the same time, the football club has launched an open invitation to existing
supporters and sponsors, and potential new backers, to `Bridge the Borough Gap`
- a short-term deficit which has threatened Borough’s week-to-week finances
ever since the loss, just before the new season opened in August, of a major
backer who had been expected to invest a significant sum in the club and its
infrastructure.
Club
officials – in a hard-hitting statement – have thrown open an appeal to close a
£40,000 shortfall in the next month.
Finances
have also been hit by a relatively early FA Cup exit, as well as surviving the
whole month of October without a single home game.
Although
Bradbury’s squad have pulled up no trees, sitting below half-way in National
League South, the club insist there are no complaints on Bradbury’s management
or commitment.
But
the Portsmouth-based manager, who arrived in the summer, has agreed a
settlement which cancels his contract – and saves at least one salary.
CIC
chairman David Blackmore and football chairman John Bonar will personally speak
with the playing squad this evening ahead of the team’s home friendly against a
London-based academy side. At this point there is no indication of departures
on the playing side.
Bradbury’s
assistant Shaun Gale will also relinquish first team duties with immediate effect.
The
club, however, are pleased to confirm that Gale will continue to lead the
community projects that he has started to implement for the club.
Team
affairs will be overseen by other coaches within the club, with popular skipper
Sergio Torres expected to take on some of the management duties.
Meanwhile,
Borough will be exploring options for a new manager over the coming days.
Anthony
Scott |