Chesterfield chairman says 'time for change had come' as latest accounts are released

The figures are for the year ending June 30, 2020, the last 12 months of Dave Allen’s ownership.

The community trust took over the Spireites last year on August 6 so the accounts are not a reflection of their time in charge.

CFC 2001 Limited recorded a profit of £453,118 for the year, which was a result of Mr Allen repaying a debenture loan of £2,045,098 to A&S Leisure Group Limited in July 2019, which a few days later he waived.

The accounts include the sacking of manager John Sheridan who received a ‘significant settlement’.

Other notable figures from the accounts include:

Turnover down from £3,952,422 in 2019 to £2,943,491 Gate and season tickets down from £825,978 to £700,520 Commercial income down from £1,533,103 to £1,091,461 Savings were made on administrative expenses from £5,446,203 to £4,269,253 Savings were made on wages and salaries from £2,975,280 to £2,489,876

Of the accounts, Mr Goodwin said: “On the pitch it was another challenging year with the results meaning the exit of manager John Sheridan. The appointment of John Pemberton, initially as caretaker manager, saw some improvement so the team was above the relegation places when the season was cut short.

“The accounts show that, even before the pandemic wiped out a third of the financial year, the business model was not succeeding. Spireites have much to thank Dave Allen for, not least the way he handled the end of his tenure, but the time for change had come.

“That change to a community-based business model supported by the two local councils responsible for our town is the only way forward. I am grateful for the support of those local authorities. I know we can count on the support of a large band of very local fans, but I hope that everyone in the north of the county will back us going forward.”

Chief executive, John Croot, said the current uncertainty, as a result of Covid-19, is ‘probably unique to peacetime’.

“When the sale of the club to the trust finally happened, we were all in a very different world to when business plans had first been drawn-up,” he explained. “Like with many businesses the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme was essential to keep the club afloat. However, I never thought some staff would still be on furlough.

“In terms of the finances we are constantly looking at new opportunities, however it does feel at times like we are just marking time until some sort of normality returns. The appointment of James Rowe has brought a new energy to the club and we look forward to the team progressing under his management, whilst we recognise that we may need to be patient we are confident that the building blocks are now being put in place both on and off the field to move the club forward.

“The fall in interest for matches was matched by difficulty in marketing commercial activities. A campaign by a significant proportion of the fans to not support the club away from playing activity meant most income streams were negatively affected. There were some savings in administrative staff but not sufficient enough to match falling income.”