Tax man clamps down on Kent League clubs

THE Committee of Bulmers Cider Kent League club Tunbridge Wells met this week and issued a statement offering a mid-season update on the tremendous progress the club are making in achieving all four key challenges set at the AGM.

The club's key objectives this season were:

* Secure an average home gate of 100 spectators throughout the season

* Secure the FA Charter Standard accreditation

* Secure a top six finish for the first team

* Resolve long-running disputes with neighbours and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

The Culverden Stadium club issued the following statement, which was posted on the club’s official website, www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk.

“We can confirm that we are well on-track to achieving all four tasks,” it said.

“Our application for promotion has been received by the FA and we are now actively working towards completion of a number of the ground improvement tasks required.

“Financially we have been able to clear all previous season debts and with some sensible budget adjustments that we have now implemented, we are confident of our future liquidity so that we can move into next season in better shape.

“Of course, the credit crunch is affecting us as, we are sure, it is with many others, and clubroom takings are dramatically lower, per paying spectator, than previous years.

“Advertising revenue is down, but your board and committee have taken immediate and sensible decisions to ensure that the club not only thrives this season but for many more to come.

“We, as all other Kent Premier clubs, have been subject to an examination by HM Revenue and Customs to review the processes by which expenses are paid to players.

“An initial meeting has highlighted a few administrative changes that were required and we have immediately acted to adhere to the HMRC guidelines but as the inspection could be extended to cover the past six years this will take some time until a conclusion can be reported.”

There have been a couple of changes at board level at the Culverden Stadium club.

Les Pendlebury-Bowe has stepped down as club welfare officer and has now been replaced by Alan Kibbey, who is also the club’s youth team co-ordinator.

Vice-chairman Gary Jefferies, has recently also assumed the role of club treasurer and the club have strengthened their committee by recruiting John Milton as supporters’ representative.

Manager Mike Robbins, whose side welcome Deal Town to Culverden Stadium tomorrow, says it’s business as normal.

“We don’t need rumours in the background to try and ruffle feathers and distract,” he told www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk.

“So I’d re-iterate to supporters, put your energies into supporting. What is currently on offer is certainly better than what went before.

“I speak regularly with Phil Dorwick, our chairman, and I know exactly what we are working with. I don’t have a problem, and I pick the team each week with a continued desire to help this club do its best.

“I have a passion for what I’m doing here - and I want success. Not just for myself but for Tunbridge Wells, and that should be a cause that others are equally passionate about.”

Article courtesy of www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells v Deal Town
Bulmers Cider Kent League
Saturday 14^th February 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Culverden Stadium, Culverden Down, Tunbridge Wells