Firstly we would like to apologise to fans for the length of time it has taken to give you a more detailed update on our current situation. We hope that you will understand that this was partly due to evolving circumstances. 

Following on from the earlier news that Darren Currie and Junior Lewis would be departing, we want to once again place on record our sincere thanks for the tireless work they have put in during their time with the Club. Unfortunately, this new economic environment means we are unable to continue with the previous Football League style set up and will need to be leaner moving forward.

The departure of several First Team players was anticipated in the event of us not securing promotion and they leave the Club with our best wishes and thanks for their service. In the last two seasons, we funded a talented and ambitious squad to push for a return to the League before the cessation of parachute payments. However, in pulling together this team, we were always conscious of the unpredictability of football and avoided tying ourselves to continued contractual commitments if we had not achieved promotion; as it happens, we came close but not close enough. Our future appointments will mirror the same ambitions but ensure sustainability in light of our continued National League status.

Due to our seven day operation here at The Hive London, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a particularly severe impact for the Club, with all regular revenue ceasing for several months. We were already aware that failure to secure promotion would have a significant impact and now with fans not expected back in the stadium until October, we have to accept that our budget will be substantially reduced. Despite this, the Club is in relatively good shape and we want to be clear that we have no intention of becoming part-time or cutting back on what a Club at our level would be expected to provide.

We will soon appoint a new manager who will have a completely blank canvas to rebuild the squad. There is a huge pool of talented and experienced footballers seeking an opportunity to join a historic Club with facilities like ours. As one of the most desirable clubs to work for in the league, there is no shortage of applicants and we need to rekindle the spirit that was shown in the teams put together by Paul Fairclough and Martin Allen; teams which were built from scratch but showed that with the right recruitment and organisation we can achieve great success.

Of course you, our fans, play a big part in that and we want as many of you to return and get behind the Club as possible. We therefore, want to use this opportunity to announce our £199 Legends season ticket offer. It is very likely that next season’s numbers will be capped and the availability of tickets on a matchday will be limited, so we believe a one payment season ticket will be the best way for you to secure your seat at The Hive next season. More information on this offer will follow shortly.

We want every one of our fans to come back and join us and be part of this great Club again. We hope that your support will inspire the new coaching and playing team to success on the pitch. 

Now, more than ever before, #LetsBeeTogether.