Treasurer Update: October 24

October saw Nuneaton Town scheduled to play seven games across another playing week month – this time four away and three only at home. Expectations for this month were initially for the club to break-even, but with the additional cup game, which was incredibly well attended, saw us turn a small profit of £570. This makes our year-to-date profit to £43,004. It’s worth reminding everyone that even though we use the term “profit”, as we are a “not-for-profit” organisation, we don’t technically make “profits”. The correct term is “surplus” as they all must be re-invested into the club. However, we will continue to use the term “profit” as it’s more commonly understood.

I really can’t stress this enough, but every penny earned or donate to this club must be used for the benefit of the club – either by ensuring the club puts out a competitive team to meet the club and the fans aspirations, or investing in the infrastructure of the club to ensure a club has solid foundations. These really go hand-in-hand, as for long term success you cannot have one without another.

The two league home games were both Saturday games and saw over 400 attend each – our home league attendance average remains better than most Step 3 sides. As the League Cup home game was unbudgeted (a bonus!), the club took the opportunity to ringfence all net proceeds from the game for the “Back to Nuneaton” fund.

I’d also like to highlight the important of the 200 Club, run by the Supporters’ Co-operative for the benefit of the club. This regular income gives the club a stable platform to cover many operating costs of the club. These costs are either business costs or contributions to specific investment projects, as opposed to playing costs – indeed the club board and the Co-operative board have stipulated that the Co-op funds should not be used to fund the playing budget, and any surplus would be held reserve or allocated to funds such as the “Back to Nuneaton” fund. Indeed, if you cannot attend games, or do attend games and want to help the club build for the future even more, please consider joining the 200 Club – just £2.50 a week with four monthly cash prizes up for grabs, it really is an amazing way to show your support.

I’d also like to touch on merchandise sales – we originally budgeted for £3000 of merchandise sales for the season, however we currently have sold the equivalent of over £13,000 of replica shirts, other clothing, and pin badges either through the club “pop-up” shop in the bar at The Oval or via the Club online store. Andy Pace has also done a sterling job selling off a stock of old programmes, which itself has added several hundred pounds to the club funds. Thank you to all who have supported the club by purchasing these items.

The Club also helped raise nearly £200 for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, with fans giving generously to a collection held at the game against Cradley Town. Look out for more community focused initiatives coming up in the near future.

In terms of expenditure, we incurred £9,728 in direct costs during October, which covered:

• FIVE playing weeks players and coaches remuneration

• Matchday ground hire

• Training facility hire

• Physio fees and equipment costs

• Cold weather bench wear for the team

• Matchday security and safety costs

• Matchday volunteer Equipment costs

• Matchday Officials fees and expenses

• Post-match catering costs (required to be provided be the league)

• Merchandise cost of sales

• Programme printing and matchday fundraising ticket costs

• Replacement match balls

We also incurred administrative expenses of £183, which include items such as:

• Website hosting costs

• The subscription to the club’s finance system (Xero)

• Payroll processing costs

• Printing and stationary costs

• Transaction fees charged by payment platforms (Sum-up & Stripe)

What to expect in November

November is expected to be similar to October in many respects – five game weeks (despite no game on one Saturday!) with two league home games and a cup home game against Paget Rangers. We have a special guest for the game against Coventry Copsewood and the Quarter Final against Paget may bring in more interest than the previous game, so expect a profit similar, or even slightly higher than October. It all depends on how many come through those turnstiles, so it’s all down to the fans!

Back to Nuneaton update

How can I help?

There are several ways that fans and local businesses can help support the club:

• Support the club by attending games and encouraging others to do so!

• While at games, please consider purchasing a 50/50 draw or Golden Goal ticket

• Join the NBSC 200 club. This is a great way of supporting the club financially, whilst give you the chance to win monthly cash prizes.

• Join the Nuneaton Borough Supporters Co-operative. Not only will you be helping the Co-op fulfil its duty as part owner of the club, you will be able to hold the Co-op board members and club officials appointed by the Co-op to account (including me). Look out for further information about the new season membership drive and further information on how you can get involved in both the Co-op and the club.

If you are a local business and would like to become a sponsor, reach out to commercial@nuneatontownfc.co.uk to discuss taking one of our great packages.