RADICAL plans designed to knock Minehead Football Club's finances into shape have won the crucial backing of players and officials. Hard-hitting changes aimed at getting the Irnham Road facility out of debt and on a proper business footing have been drawn up by the club's new chairman Bryan Leaker. Mr Leaker, former supremo of the town's Butlins holiday centre and a local district councillor, presented his action plan to the club's senior and junior sides late last month. And this week he received confirmation that all 11 youth teams and the Tool Station Western League side have given their support to what Mr Leaker has described as a three-pronged initiative to manage costs, review the currently low membership fees and generate more revenue. The club has struggled to keep in the black and earn enough income to run the facilities at the Irnham Road ground, including the social club. Mr Leaker's plans would see under 16 players paying £2 per training session and £2 per game - double the current fee but with half going towards overheads and The senior sides would be expected to fork out £5 for both training and matches, some of which would also cover operating costs. Mr Leaker said the teams had to make some investment into the costs, which ranged from cleaning to the use of floodlights. The increased charges should cover the current rent and insurance costs, with fundraising events and a general drive to bring in more revenue providing additional much needed cash. Mr Leaker said the club's 2003-04 business plan had been unrealistic and resulted in a shortfall of more £100,000. As of June this year it was suffering losses of more than £20,000, which look certain to rise without urgent action. "The bottom line is that we have to stop money haemorrhaging out," Mr Leaker told the Free Press. "If we don't stop these significant losses and changes are not made then the club will effectively have to stop trading." Mr Leaker warned all the teams that if he did not get their support he would tell Minehead Town Council - which owns the ground and facilities - there was no viable trading position for the club. "I stated at the annual meeting when I was elected that there would have to be major changes," he said. "The position of the town council is generally one of support - Minehead Barbarians Rugby Club does not expect or receive the financial support the football club has." Mr Leaker said under the proposals, which include a plan to develop ladies football, there should eventually be better facilities for everyone with the possibility of securing grant aid for a range improvements, including the possible re-laying of the pitch. Mr Leaker told the Free Press following the agreement of the senior sides on Tuesday that he was very pleased. "This is a way forward for the football club and we now have a plan that will hopefully bring the good times back." Mr Leaker said the new regime should ensure the club was paying its way by November. He was now working on drawing up a very detail project plan, with the involvement of all the teams, which would be presented formally to the club and the town council. "The most important thing now is that we have a way forward and I am delighted to have received total support for the changes."
