Leigh Genesis in turmoil - club will fold at end of season if no 'serious help' is found (From Leigh Journal)

Leigh Genesis in turmoil - club will fold at end of season if no 'serious help' is found

9:00pm Tuesday 26th January 2010

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THE battle has started to save Leigh Genesis Football Club.

Genesis’ future has once again been thrown into turmoil following the club's mystery backer pulling the plug.

Club chiefs have revealed the club will not run beyond the current season if no new finances are put in place.

The Unibond Division One North club have been dogged by financial problems ever since moving to the town from Horwich.

Their future looked bleak last season until former Premier League star Garry Flitcroft took over the reins as manager.

The club has again been plunged into crisis after the backer pulled out because of his own financial difficulties but Flitcroft is prepared to carry on and has been assured by Leigh Sports Village that games will be able to go ahead there until the end of the season.

Flitcroft said: “It is a shame our backer has pulled out because we have built a good side, have a ground that league clubs would be proud of and we have a fantastic chance of promotion.

“Without sponsorship or a financial backer I fear for the club.

“This has been my first managerial job and it has given me great experience and I have a major passion for it and I don't want to walk away.

“That may mean playing the kids but we will just try and finish as high up the table as we can.

“We don't want the club to disappear and I hope someone will come forward from the community to support us.”

Genesis spokesman Mary Croasdale said the club regrets to announce that it is again seeking sponsorship.

The previous backer’s intention had been to involve a number of investors but funds were not forthcoming in sufficient measures to maintain the ongoing expenses.

Croasdale said: “We have faced issues in the past and have always overcome them.

“This new stadium should have been the making of the club but instead it has achieved the opposite.

“Finances at non-league level are tight and a club needs to have either a huge supporter base, healthy money-generating social clubs or wealthy backers.

“This club can offer an amazing opportunity for someone wishing to get involved in non-league football and take a journey up the leagues.

“we have everything in place to achieve this.

“In addition to a first-team we have a healthy junior section affiliated to us, a knowledgeable board and of course respected names such as Garry Flitcroft, Matt Jansen and Mike Quigley in the coaching staff. What other non-league club can boast such a line-up?

“But the club is looking for an immediate solution.

“There is no way of disguising the situation and it is not going to change without drastic action.

“The bottom line is that this club will, with the loyalty of its players and coaches, see this season through but without serious help will not be able to continue after that.”

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