DEAR Supporters,
Firstly, thank you to everyone who attended our recent Q&A evening at Chorley FC. It was a positive meeting and we are grateful for everyone’s contributions.
For those who were unable to attend, this summary provides a short overview of the key topics discussed and the direction we are working towards. On the evening, questions were answered by: James Waldie (Shareholder), Terry Robinson (CEO), Andy Preece (Manager), Chris Anderson (Assistant Manager) and Jamie Vermiglio (Chairman).
Acknowledging the Season So Far
This season, so far, has been frustrating for everyone, not least the management team and players. Expectations are higher because of what this group has achieved previously — including consistent play-off finishes — and we fully accept that we are currently short of the targets we set ourselves but we have not given up hope of changing our fortunes.
Supporters raised questions around the team including the following:
- Away form
- Converting dominance into goals
- Performances on different playing surfaces
- Tactics of opposition teams
The management team detailed the extensive preparation that goes into every fixture — including live scouting, Wyscout analysis, structured opposition reports and detailed tactical sessions with players. On the evening the team presented extensive information about the preparation for games at home and away.
The margins remain fine and even a small swing in results would place us back in contention. Belief inside the dressing room remains strong and the focus continues to be on finishing the season positively. A run of 3 or 4 positive results could, depending on other results put us back into contention. Everyone remains focused and optimistic about the remaining fixtures and we will be doing everything to earn as many points as possible.
Squad Challenges, Injuries & Recruitment
This season has been significantly disrupted by injuries.
We began with what many considered one of our strongest squads in recent years, with 21 players signed to provide strength and depth. However:
- 32 players have featured this season
- Medical and rehabilitation costs have exceeded normal amounts.
- Injury-related impact on playing budget has exceeded normal amounts.
A substantial portion of the playing budget has therefore been unavailable for long periods. This meant that loaning quality players was the best way forward. While loans have strengthened the squad and brought quality, they carry risk, including recall clauses. We shared some of the ruling around the loans and clauses which are included.
Recruitment remains structured and evidence-based, with extensive scouting across local leagues, under-21 football and performance data platforms. Additions have been made carefully and sustainably and we shared some very positive examples of loans performing well and going on to make first team appearances for parent clubs but also we identified some players who then return to sign permanently – a model we have utilised well in the past.
We are extremely grateful to supporters who have also contributed to player welfare initiatives during this difficult period. It has not been easy but you have supported certain players and it is appreciated.
Preecy and Ando acknowledged that this season’s points total has not reached the levels we have achieved in previous years, which is naturally disappointing for everyone. While it falls short of the standards we set for ourselves, it also reflects just how consistently strong our performances have been in recent seasons.
Although our playing budget has increased, so too have the budgets of other clubs — both within our league and among those coming up from leagues below. Some of the reported budgets and overall resources are significantly greater than ours and, even with our additional investment, we would still likely rank in the ‘bottom eight’ in terms of overall resources available to teams. We also recognise that the growing number of full-time and hybrid teams has further raised the level of competition.
We are extremely grateful for the support and understanding received and continued to work tirelessly for Chorley FC.
The management team remains available in the clubhouse after every game and greatly values the opportunity to speak with supporters directly.
Investment, Infrastructure & Modernisation
James, as a shareholder, attended the evening and spoke about the club’s ownership, as well as the original vision and direction established at the time of acquisition.
Since the change in ownership, significant investment has been made to improve Victory Park. James explained that both he and Prince are Directors of the club, with James taking a more active, hands-on role due to his closer proximity to the club.
The current shareholdings were presented at the supporters’ Q&A and remain publicly available via Companies House.
While we acknowledge that we have not yet reached our ultimate goal, we have made clear and measurable progress toward the vision and values initially set out. We remain fully committed to delivering on that long-term direction. Much of this progress is detailed this summary, with several additional areas also highlighted during the evening:
Infrastructure improvements include:
- Pitch and irrigation upgrades
- Perimeter fencing
- Perimeter pathways
- Sanctum hospitality suite development
- Fan Zone redevelopment
- Relocation of the club shop inside the stadium footprint
- Roofing and cladding works
- Car park improvements
- Removal of the large mound
In addition to physical upgrades, we have modernised some operational systems:
- Digitising the ticketing system to online sales and in-ground scanning, significantly reducing entry queues
- Digitising the club shop and introducing online ordering
- Working in partnership with local business Team Stop to improve merchandise availability
Shareholders have worked on a number of improvements aligned with the club’s long-term vision, including taking steps to address and reduce significant historical debt.
James also explained that there was initial interest from Boyzone in becoming more involved with Chorley F.C. Shane Lynch, who is a business partner of James, was particularly keen, and the group expressed enthusiasm about supporting the club and becoming more involved. Shane has attended matches and the rest of the band continue to follow the club’s progress.
However, due to other professional commitments and their careers moving in a different direction, the original plans discussed did not materialise as initially anticipated. They are not formally involved with the club at this time, but they remain interested and may support future projects when the opportunity is right.
Looking ahead, securing ownership of Victory Park remains a key objective for all shareholders, and there are ongoing, constructive discussions aimed at making this ambition a reality. Conversations continue with Chorley Council, as we recognise that full ownership would unlock significant opportunities for the club — including the installation of a 4G pitch and the potential for expanded seven-day use of the facilities.
Communication & Matchday Experience
Improving supporter communication has also been a priority, particularly when playing away from home.
This season saw the launch of Magpies on Air, providing live match commentary for supporters both home and away. Led by our Media & Communications Manager, Pete Tscherewik and a talented group of volunteer media contributors, the service has received excellent feedback — not only from our own supporters but also from visiting fans.
This initiative represents an important step in modernising how we connect with supporters and broadening access to the club. Over Christmas, additional efforts were made to ‘think outside of the box’ and offer a media presence which was more creative.
Financial Sustainability
Supporters asked about finances and sustainability.
Functioning as a club and being competitive is always a challenge for non league clubs and there are moments in this season when this is more challenging than others – particularly when there are no home games for extensive periods of time. During the evening we shared information relating to shareholder regular investments, as well as additional investment to cover any shortfalls, revenue for Saturday and Tuesday home games and the significant differences between the two and the impact of no home fixtures for long periods. Over a 10 week period we hosted only 3 home games at Victory Park.
Over the past few seasons, the sale of players has generated important income for the club. It has always been made clear that players naturally have the ambition to improve and compete at the highest level possible. Therefore, when a transfer is agreed, the club aims to secure the best possible financial return while not standing in the way of a player’s career progression.
Transfer fees are often structured in instalments, meaning that for some recent sales, not all funds have yet been received. In certain cases, agreed payments to previous clubs must also be deducted from the total fee. The income generated from player sales plays a vital role in supporting the day-to-day running and long-term sustainability of the club.
The Away Day initiative has delivered 13 events so far this season, generating around £20,000 profit for the club. The revenue from these projects are most welcome and help to support the club. We are working to ensure this project continues to grow.
We operate responsibly in a league where many clubs now compete with inflated budgets backed by significant private funding. There has been increased financial backing from the owners, the challenge to remain competitive with other teams remains greater season on season. Our focus remains on sustainability rather than short-term risk.
Community Foundation & Wider Impact
Through the Chorley FC Community Foundation, the club continues to expand its reach well beyond the first team.
Programmes include; Andy’s Man Club, Walking Football, Veteran’s provision, Disability and inclusive football sessions, Dementia-friendly initiatives and much more. A particularly special element of our matchdays is the involvement of young people from the community. Groups regularly attend games to bear flags as teams enter the pitch, take part in stadium tours and helps foster lifelong connections to our club.
Opening the stadium on Christmas Day for the second consecutive year also underlined our commitment to being a true community hub – something we want to build on.
Education Pathway & Future Growth
Our BTEC Academy, delivered in partnership with the Steven Gerrard Academy, continues to grow.
We now have over 100 students registered on the programme.
Students study a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport alongside a structured football development programme. The football delivery is led by Andy Preece, whose standards and expectations continue to raise performance levels year on year.
The programme is growing from strength to strength, and several students have progressed into first-team involvement — demonstrating a genuine pathway.
Securing Victory Park and further developing the stadium would allow even greater integration of the education programme on site, creating expanded facilities and opportunities for delivery directly at the football club.
Looking Forward
The foundations of the club are stronger than they have been for many years and our vision remains clear:
- Secure ownership of Victory Park
- Introduce a 4G pitch
- Expand seven-day community use
- Strengthen the education and youth pathway
- Remain competitive while operating responsibly
Football brings highs and lows. What does not fluctuate is our commitment to building a stable, ambitious and community-rooted club.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
Chorley FC
