Steve Adamson's interview with Boro chairman Trevor Bull - Part 2

Q – Without going into detail, will the club be able to claim any compensation for loss of income because of the pitch problems at the Sports Village?

A – It is something we have been looking into, and have taken legal advice, but it’s rather complicated and I can’t say anything further at this point. Q – After the erection of the Adverset Stand and the improvements at the swimming pool (away) end, are there any plans to upgrade other parts of the ground, to meet the minimum requirement capacity of 4,000 for membership of the National League?

A – We are aware of what needs to be done to meet National League requirements, but can’t start any work until promotion is achieved, because that would be when funding becomes available. Contrary to what people may think, money does come down from the Premier League, and we have already received grants to upgrade the ground.

If you think back, when we first moved home to Scarborough, it was a very basic facility, with cover on just two sides, but now we have stands on all four sides of the stadium. One simple way to increase capacity will be to install terracing, and that is something we plan to do when the grants become available. Q – North Yorkshire Council recently approved a loan of up to £150,000 for the club, is this something the board is considering, and what is the current financial situation at the club?

A – We did approach the Council, but only as a back-stop or as insurance, and they have decided they are willing to help us, for which we are very grateful. They even offered a grant, to cover some of the interest on the loan. However, we are hopeful we won’t have to take the loan, which would have to be repaid. The board really appreciate the support from North Yorkshire Council.

Financially, we’ve taken a massive hit because of the exile in Bridlington, but we are determined to battle through, and every penny we spend is closely monitored. Q – Do each of the club directors have a specific role or responsibility, and do you all work well together as a board?

A – Yes each board member is assigned a specific role, and we work really well as a team. We hold monthly board meetings, and the first item on the agenda is always finance. We are all fans as well as directors, and the welfare and success of the club is our main priority. For me personally, it’s almost like a full-time job, but is very rewarding and fulfilling. Q – Assuming the club returns home to Scarborough next season, are there likely to be any changes on match days at the Sports Village, eg pricing structure, segregation, refreshments, Victory Bar, clubhouse etc?

A – Yes, we will review everything before we return home. Our aim will be to make match days an enjoyable experience for everyone. As part of that, we will be reviewing our segregation policy, having had positive experiences this season, when low risk games have not been segregated. We want visiting fans to have the best possible time when they visit us, and have the opportunity to spend their money with us. It will be the last year of Everyone Active running the site, and there are lots of things we could do differently.

Q – How does the club benefit from having a reserve team in the Humber Premier League, and junior teams at various age groups?

A – Originally the junior and reserve teams were set up to give local players the chance to be part of their home town club and to play at higher levels than local football. It’s great that so many youngsters are connected with these teams, and although there is a massive gulf between the first team and the reserves in terms of the level they play at, a few reserve players have made the odd first-team appearance.

Also, being a community club, with a thriving junior set-up, helps us to obtain funding to improve the ground. Q – Are you happy to remain as a fans run club, or do you think outside investors may be needed, to help fund the club in the future?

A – It’s difficult to say what will happen in the future, and I’m not sure how far we could progress under our present model. There are some clubs in our league with very wealthy backers and mega rich owners, but as we know all too well, many clubs have fallen victim to rogue owners, or have overspent and gone bankrupt trying to climb up through the leagues.

For now, we are happy to be owned by the fans, and after all, we have no assets as we don’t own the ground, so why would anyone invest in our club ? Q – Finally, how do you see the immediate future of the club?

A – I am very optimistic that we have a bright future ahead of us. Since I’ve been chairman, we have had two promotions, three NRSC wins and reached the first round of the FA Cup twice. We’ve been successful because we are a well run club and have a very good manager. We also have some great supporters and volunteers and are fortunate to have many loyal sponsors who continue to back us.

I can’t wait for the start of next season, back home in Scarborough……