Croydon Rams: “The rebirth has begun!”

Croydon Athletic FC Photo: Andy Nunn

Croydon Athletic FC finally looks secure for the coming season and is looking forward to tonight’s away game at Aveley.

The club appears to have successfully surmounted its financial difficulties after owner Mazhar Majeed provided the bond demanded by the Ryman League and Football Association on Wednesday night. All the necessary paperwork has now been processed and the Rams can look forward to the rest of the season.

The club’s future had looked precarious after club owner Mazhar Majeed was arrested last month after becoming embroiled in the international cricket match-fixing scandal and his assets frozen. Manager Tim O’Shea and assistant manager Neil Smith left the club after not being paid for  August, and despite a robust campaign by supporters the Rams Army, the debt-laden club looked doomed.

In a statement issued today, Croydon Athletic announced: ” Mazhar Majeed has confirmed his commitment to the Rams by providing the bond needed to secure the future of the club, and we all thank him for giving us the opportunity to continue for the rest of the season and for his professionalism and loyalty in securing the club’s future.  We also thank the FA and the Ryman League for their patience and understanding over the last couple of weeks.”

However, the club accepts that it is not out of the woods yet, continuing “The Club will operate on a tight budget, and supporters are asked to contribute ideas regarding fundraising activities.  Those that have already sent their suggestions through are being looked at and they will be contacted shortly.”

The club confirmed that they are looking for new signings to replace the players who have left, and that former Rams’ management team Dave Garland and Bob Langford will act as joint caretaker managers. With tonight’s fixture against Aveley the first match played by the club since 4 September, they added “We look forward to seeing as many people at the game as possible.  C’mon you Rams!”

Or as Mick Lloyd, one of the founders of the Save Croydon Athletic FC facebook page put it, “The rebirth has begun!”

See also on East London Lines

Embattled Rams fight for survival

Rams saved by a whisker – but for how long?

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