Moatmen like Mondays

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Gresley FC are changing their midweek match day from Tuesdays to Mondays.

The First Division South club's Board agreed unanimously that they would 'give it a go' ahead of the publication of the Evo-Stik NPL's fixtures on Wednesday. The Moatmen say they'll revert to Tuesday's next season should it not work out and they see no rise in gates.

Chairman Barry North said: "The board was in full agreement in trying this. I've spoken to several chairmen and directors at other clubs and they've all said that they saw an increase in the home attendances by swapping either from a Tuesday or Wednesday to a Monday.

"Moving to a Monday evening our games will not clash with the televised league and European games which has caused supporters to stay away from the Moat Ground. It will also enable our management team and coaches to watch other games and players.

"It only affects four or five league games throughout the season and possibly a couple of cup replays so it shouldn't cause too much of a problem for our home fans. Over the last couple of seasons I've had several of our supporters asking if we'd consider moving the midweek night and we like to listen to them and respond if we can. Should this experiment not work out, it will only be for a season and we can then revert back.

He added: "As you can appreciate we as a board have got to try and increase the income for the Club. Many people have been working really hard to increase the sponsorship but it is very difficult in the financial climate we have at the moment so we hope everyone backs us in this and continue to give us the fantastic support we have at Gresley and for which we are very grateful.

"There is a phrase which you can hear at the Moat Ground, 'bring a mate and double the gate'. Never has that statement been so relevant as now as we try to take the club forward."