Grays Athletic have launched an appeal to supporters and the wider community after one of their main sponsors failed to honour an agreed financial commitment. The club said the sponsor in question is not one of its front-of-shirt sponsors.
According to the club, the shortfall has left a significant gap in the first-team playing budget and placed additional financial pressure on it. As a community-owned club who ground-share, Grays say their opportunities to generate regular income are already limited. Every additional pound raised through the appeal, the club said, will go directly towards the first-team playing budget.
Supporters are being asked to take up club membership, buy matchday raffle tickets, join the 12th Man scheme or take part in the Big Draw. The club also invited businesses and individuals to consider becoming sponsors. It stressed that nobody should feel obliged to give, and said sharing the message would also be welcome.
Chairman Lee Vehit also addressed the situation on the Non League Round Up Show, discussing finances, the club's long-term future, recent form, Ship Lane and the managerial vacancy in what the club called an 'honest and frank' interview.