KEVIN NICHOLSON has revealed his players will travel to their game against Boreham Wood by car convoy with the cash-strapped Gulls unable to afford both coach travel and a hotel.
The Devon outfit looked to be on the verge of a takeover earlier this year but after months of negotiations, Swindon-based Gaming International Ltd’s interest came to an end.
Following that disappointment, chairman David Phillips said it was “pretty obvious to everyone” that the Gulls required a cash injection.
With no investment forthcoming yet – and the club forced to wait for any potential windfall following former player Eunan O’Kane’s move from Bournemouth to Leeds – Nicholson has been forced to make some tough choices including travel and accommodation.
The boss – who doubled up as team bus driver last season – has confirmed his squad will travel to Boreham Wood on Friday by car convoy rather than getting there by coach on Saturday morning.
With the club unable to afford both coach travel and a hotel, Nicholson has opted for an overnight stay ahead of the National League encounter.
He said: “We travel to Boreham Wood tomorrow (Friday) by car convoy. I know this has made for debate on social media and forums but I want to make it clear why.
“The club is obviously not in a great place financially and when I was told we were down to travel five or six hours on the morning of the game I asked if I could use the budget for the coach for a hotel instead which the chairman kindly agreed to.
“I then put it to the players as it’s their preparation and their petrol money to get there. To a man they all went for, what I fully believe, to be the best preparation and took the hotel stay. Obviously it’s not perfect but it’s the position we are in where every penny counts at the club right now.
“I’m proud that the players are willing to do whatever it takes to give themselves the best chance of winning and that how it looks comes second to what’s most important.
“You can never guarantee a performance or a result but I’d much rather turn up in cars after a good night’s sleep with well rested players who genuinely care about going for the points over pride or finances.
“It shows me all about the lads and their priorities so when we turn up on Saturday in cars don’t worry about it, give us the best support you can and rest assured that myself and the players made the decision ourselves based entirely on our will to win for ourselves, the club and our amazing fans.”
