BILLERICAY TOWN will be working with a reduced playing budget next season after forking out for pitch and ground repairs.
The Blues finished ninth in the Ryman Premier last season but boss Craig Edwards has seen his budget cut for the first time in six years.
The Essex club have ploughed cash into improving the playing surface at the New Lodge as well as making sure the rest of the ground is up to scratch.
Due to the extra funds needed for off the pitch matters, the club have also confirmed that they will not be running an U21 team next season.
Chairman Steve Kent says the move is “frustrating” but added that “whatever happens, we will remain competitive”.
The Blues chief added: “Because I’ve allocated extra funds to pitch and ground repairs l have for the first time in six years reduced the playing budget. It’s not been ravaged but it has been cut.
“Last season we spent a bit more than we had in the previous few seasons and but for a few setbacks I think we would have made the play-offs.
“Craig is obviously disappointed with the cut, but he understands that we have essential work to be done and that takes money. We know Craig is fantastic at developing players and building a team, each season he brings us a number of players we had not previously heard of.
“Having said all that, recruitment is going well and if we keep our expectations realistic then there is no reason we won’t have an enjoyable and competitive season.
“Maybe with a bit of luck and a good tail wind, we might even do a bit better than we did this season. Whatever happens, we will remain competitive.”
