THE future of Minehead Town Football Club appears secure for the time being with new chairman Colin Gardner promising to pull the debt-ridden club out of trouble.

He has pledged to inject time and money into the club and is putting his faith in the emerging youth players becoming the players of tomorrow.

Mr Gardner called this week for the people of the town to get behind the club with the players, manager, staff and supporters working together to put the club back on track.

Since the giant-killing days in the 1970s the Irnham Road Club has seen attendances plummet from 2,000 down to less than 100 watching home games in the Screwfix Direct League.

Ticket prices will remain the same as last season in an attempt to build up support.

Despite unrest over match wages, five players from last year's first team squad turned out for pre-season training this week with others on holiday. They have been assured they will receive an allowance to cover travel expenses.

Last Thursday saw a committee formed including representatives from the first team, West Somerset Sports and one representative from each of Minehead's youth and boys team, with former referee Mr Gardner elected chairman.

He told the Free Press this week that if Minehead Town managed to finish one from bottom of the league he would count the season a success.

"Having seen a lot of the players at training I am confident that they will do their best," he said. "However, money will not be wasted on players who do not want to be part of the Minehead Town set-up.

"The formation of this committee will provide the future strategy to bring the youth players of today through as the future players of tomorrow."

A £59,995 deal for Mr Gardner to purchase the lease of the stadium and buildings from local businessman Barry Richards is now in the hands of solicitors and should be sealed by the end of the month.

Mr Richards told the Free Press: "The sale is currently going through and I am pleased that it is being sold on after debts I have incurred over the past five years.

"I have supported the club and it has cost me personally, but I hope football continues in Minehead."

Mr Gardner, of West Quantoxhead, has promised to pump £5,000 into the Irnham Road club to organise functions at the stadium.

As part of the re-shuffle, Peter Bate has stepped down as the club's director of football and been installed as president.

Mr Gardner praised Mr Bate's efforts over the years and the way in which he saved the Blues from near extinction in the 1990s.

"Peter wants to sing and shout and support the club from the stand although he will not have anything to do with the football side of the club," he said

Former player Andy Hodgson has taken over from Chris Porter as manager of the first team with the full backing of the chairman.

"Andy will be left alone to manage the football team with no interference from myself," said Mr Gardner.

"I can tell supporters of this football club that Minehead Town will be run on a professional basis because that is the only way I like it.

"Every effort will be made to keep them informed and involved with the running of the club.

"I would like to see a lot more support because we are trying to make the first team more well known to the local people so they become more involved."

Charlie Griffiths has been installed as vice-chairman while Andy Muscroft is secretary and Andy Jordan functions manager. The treasurer has yet to be announced.

The plans are to eventually hand the club over to Minehead Sport and Youth 2000 with a healthier bank balance and a strong base of support.

"After a period of time it would be nice for me to step down and let Minehead look after its own football," Mr Gardner said.

During the summer break the ground has been the target of a spate of vandalism which has had to be sorted out by staff.

"The vandalism at the club has been a concern because we had to put it all right."

The new chairman said he has no qualms about mucking in and get his hands dirty: "In the next few weeks I will be going in to paint the changing rooms because that's the sort of thing you get roped into when you are semi- retired."

He said he could not understand how some fans had tried to watch some home games last season for free.

"A few supporters have waited on occasions outside until the match is underway in order not to pay to get in, but I can't understand that.

"Why would anyone not want to give Minehead Town a few pounds to watch the game and keep the club going."

A double bill of matches have been pencilled in for August 5 at the Recreation Ground involving Gloucester City, Gloucester United and Watchet Town.

Watchet will take on United at 2pm while Minehead Town entertain

Gloucester City at 4.30pm.

Mr Gardner used to be a director of Gloucester City Football Club and he founded the Sunday league which recently elected him as vice-president.

He recently sold his company, Gardner Security, which used to sponsor the Taunton Saturday League, for £2 million.

Plans are also afoot to make full use of Barringtons to hold functions but the name will be dropped and given to Mr Richards. The club are looking for a new name and want people to put forward suggestions.

The winner will join Mr Gardner and Mr Griffiths for the matches on August 5 and be invited to a function in the evening.

In the mean time the Blues will be taking on Ilfracombe at home in their first friendly on July 29, kick-off 3pm.

l The Free Press incorrectly reported last week that Michael Crichton had resigned as Minehead Town's fixtures secretary when in fact he left the post in 1983. We apologise for any confusion caused.