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Wednesday, December 13, 2023

King's Lynn chair takes aim at fans voting with their feet after home defeat

King's Lynn Town chairman Stephen Cleeve

King's Lynn Town chairman Stephen Cleeve has said fans can vote with their feet after another home defeat - but they shouldn't complain if the club goes bust.

After a 2-1 defeat last night at home to Banbury United, club owner Cleeve took to Twitter to share some financial information about the game.

He said income, excluding hospitality and possibly season tickets, amounted to £5,580.94. As for the amount spent, not including stadium and club running expenses, he said that came to £1,990.04.

So while the balance after the game would have been £3,590.90, the £4,479 being spent on the coach and hotel for the game at Southport on Saturday completely wiped that out.

The figures also don't seem to include any wages or utilities, other than floodlight, but, providing they're somewhat accurate, provide an insight into National League North clubs' finances.

In a tweet with the figures, Cleeve said supporters could vote with their feet and save money by not going to the next home game but warned that wouldn't help keep the club afloat.

He said: "I accept it was a rotten first half. I can’t explain that but I know that Adam and Sam (management team) will sort it out.

"If you that want to keep £18 in your pocket rather than support the club I understand your feelings but please don’t complain if one day there is no club left to support."

In further posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, Cleeve said a hotel was necessary for some away games, Southport being one.

He also said the gate receipts were a net figure and the club have some "terrific sponsors" but they need others to help.

"Can’t always fall down to the same group of guys," he said.

In support of Cleeve, Scunthorpe United director Simon Elliott said: "Plus wages, HMRC, VAT, utilities, policing, maintenance, so without support from your supporters, support from local business etc etc its not sustainable, our fans get that because we nearly lost our club, all the best Stephen."

King's Lynn, still a full-time side after being relegated from the National League in 2022, are struggling this season and currently lie 21st - occupying the last relegation zone place.

Four of their 10 losses so far this season have come at home, and currently have 22 points from 22 games.