Pic: Matt Bradshaw
CHELMSFORD CITY say it’s imperative they get the balance between team strengthening and building their club absolutely on the money having secured big investment now their takeover is finally approved.
The National League South club will be well backed once again after an offer from the Jade Global Group was approved by members.
The Clarets will automatically enhance their playing budget – but chairman Trevor Smith says the cash will be used in many areas to improve the club.
City were originally funded into the division by millionaire Peter Webb but have worked with fewer resources since he stopped backing the team.
Ambitions
Smith stressed that the property company are in it for the long haul and have committed to ten years of investment.
He told The NLP: “It’s taken quite a while to get this over the line, but it’s wonderful news for the club, We really think we can push forward with our ambitions now and become the club we know we can be.
“Yes, there will be investment made into the squad, but it’s vital we don’t just spend on players. This is about building our club, not just building our team.
“We want to strengthen our brand and make this a community place, to build up our academy and enhance our links across the city.
“We all want to see Chelmsford’s results in the papers in the Football League, but we have to do it the right way. Like, for example, servicing the debt the club still has. We owe it to the creditors.”
Smith, celebrating two years at the helm in August, says the aim before the deal was signed was still to reach the play-offs, so results are expected.
He will be staying on at Melbourne and added: “Our manager, Rod Stringer, was confident of achieving that before this news, so promotion was always our goal and that remains.
“The Jade Group wanted us to stay and carry on running the club. They are talented people but admit they know little about this side of the game.
“Chelmsford City was the biggest Non-League club in the 1970s and, hopefully, if this goes well, we can be up there once again.
“We know nothing brings people out like a winning team, so we will give Rod more help and we will see where it leaves us. It’s exciting.”
