Shareholders to decide future course

Stamford AFC have revealed that shareholders at the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League club will be receiving a letter in the next few days outlining an offer for their shareholding.

The letter comes from Daniels chairman Chris Rivett, pictured, the director of leading sports publications printer, Regal Sports Press Limited.

The offer comes after the Evo-Stik NPL First Division South club began showcasing plans for their new stadium development this week ahead of submitting a full planning application. Fans will have the opportunity to see the plans in their Kettering Road clubhouse throughout Saturday's fixture against Leek Town.

The Daniels say shareholders will be asked to respond to the offer by Monday 21 January and in a statement released on Friday, Rivett said he's decided to publically explain the background to the offer in the interests of transparency for everyone connected with the club.

He said: "In the close season I was presented with an opportunity to meet with the board of directors regarding an opportunity at Stamford AFC. Those discussions led to the honour of being offered the role as chairman in an exciting stage of the club's history.

"It became apparent quite early on additional expertise was required to complement the existing board's skills and I was pleased they supported me in bringing Peter Davis, an experienced commercial manager in the professional game, and a successful businessman, to the club.

"The club had identified it needed to improve in the areas of commercial, media, marketing and PR. I have been chairman now for five months and have had time to asses the requirements in those areas in a lot more detail, along with the structure I believe is necessary to ensure the future growth of the club.

"With information about the new stadium revealed in more detail this week the focus on establishing a robust and realistic business plan to utilise the commercial opportunities the new stadium provides becomes even more critical.

"There is a lot to do, but it is achievable. In order to best meet the challenges that lie ahead though I need your [the shareholders] help. The infrastructure of the business at present will not allow us to progress at the speed necessary to be ready for the move, and to be successful when we make the move.

"An investment is required; an investment in terms of a financial support but also expertise. To that end, as the chairman of the football club, it was my responsibility to look to source that investment to ensure a bright future for the club, the town and the local community."

* Stamford say anyone with any specific questions relating to the offer are welcome to email media@stamfordafc.co.uk where the questions will be put to the Chairman. His response will be shared online to keep everyone up to speed regarding the offer to shareholders. Alternatively, supporters and shareholders can speak to either Rivett or the club's Commercial Manager Davis at the ground on matchdays or by prior appointment.