Workington Reds are to launch a new squad-building initiative next month to help manager Danny Grainger strengthen his promotion-winning squad.
Known simply as the Budget Booster, the aim is to maintain the momentum following the step up to the NPL Premier Division, and details will be announced on June 1.
Designed as a high impact scheme it will run for only the month of June and hopefully will give the management team the financial fire power to push on and develop a highly competitive squad prior to the start of the forthcoming season.
As with any fundraiser it relies on the backing of the supporters, and the basic idea is that fans are invited to pledge an amount of their choice which will be put into a pot that will be used over and above the playing budget set by the club. In return they can claim from a range of unique club-based rewards.
Vice Chairman Richard Lewthwaite, who will administer the scheme, said: “Everyone at the club is still on a high from the events of a few Saturdays ago but we have to look forward as a club to the challenges that lie ahead.
“We all want to see the club prepared and ready to meet those challenges, to build on the momentum we have all worked so hard for and go again in what will be a hugely competitive league.
“The Board have set the management team an improved budget from last season whilst also maintaining the day to day financial integrity of the club in an ever more challenging financial world, We feel that with a little help from everyone involved we can push the boundaries further on the field.
“As we look to retain, hopefully, the bulk of last year’s squad as well as developing the best local talent for the future this Budget Booster will allow Danny and Terry the opportunity of making those one or two big signings that really make the difference.
“We are asking all supporters to get behind the scheme if they feel able to, We know times are difficult and people’s priorities may lie elsewhere but in return the club will guarantee that all monies raised through the Budget Booster will be ring-fenced to enhance the playing budget for 2023-24”
“Supporter-backed initiatives such as this to complement a playing budget are nothing new, Clubs such as Darlington and Chester have, in recent years, raised huge amounts. Building a competitive budget requires everyone’s input in a modern day Non League Club and the Reds are no different.
“The Budget Booster runs only during June, full details will be announced on June 1 and fans will be able to contribute or even just monitor the progress via a dedicated page on the club’s website as well as on our social media platforms.”
