Northwich Victoria Football Club
Mr Brian Barwick-Chief Executive
Football Association
25 Soho Square
London
W1D 4FA
08 June 2005
Dear Mr Barwick,
Northwich Victoria Football Club.
I write in support of the appeal lodged by Northwich Victoria Football Club with the Football Association against the decision that could see them relegated out of the Football Conference League.
During the last season Northwich Victoria went into administration and were deducted 10 points. Against all the odds the club battled back and finished 9 points clear of the relegation zone. They won the non-league Team of the Year and the Manager was the runner up Manager of the Year.
The Club has a new stadium which, due to the overwhelming contribution of fans volunteering their help, was completed by 31/5/05 and awarded its necessary safety certificate and passed the Conference Stadium Inspection as being fit to host National Conference football.
All the fans in Northwich and everyone associated with the Club has celebrated their success on the field and were confidently looking forward to National Conference football next season.
I now understand the FA share held by Northwich Victoria Club in Administration has not been transferred to Northwich Victoria (2004) Ltd and thus this Company has not yet been registered with the FA. A further problem relates to the fact that the lease on the new Victoria Stadium is held by Northwich Victoria (2004) Ltd and not by Northwich Victoria Football Club in Administration. I also understand that the issue of Northwich Victoria (2004) Ltd registering a bond of £150,000 as surety that the Club will fulfil all its 2005/06 fixtures needs to be resolved. On this specific matter it is important to point out that Northwich Victoria (2004) Ltd have clearly demonstrated their commitment to the Club by spending £250,000 which enabled the Club to meet all its commitments during the 2004/05 season.
Northwich Victoria Football Club has a proud history in football. They have come through one of the most difficult periods the Club has ever faced. They avoided relegation last season against all odds and they have earned the right to retain their place in the National Conference. Furthermore Northwich Vics have a dedicated and loyal fan base who have proved their commitment to the Club this season both on the terraces and in helping to get their new stadium ready to meet the 31/5/05 Inspection deadlines.
I hope that Northwich Victoria (2004) Ltd will be given a further opportunity to receive the FA share from Northwich Victoria Football Club in Administration and to deposit the £150,000 bond enabling the Club to take its hard earned and rightful place playing football in the National Conference League next season.
Yours sincerely,
Mike Hall MP – Member of the All Party Parliamentary Football Group
