'It would leave a big void': Worried fans of under-threat Hednesford Town FC fear for club's future
The former managing director of under-threat Hednesford Town FC said it would be 'tragic' if the troubled club can't play football again.
Terry Brumpton has been associated with the club as a supporter, volunteer committee member, programme editor, commercial manager and full time employee since 1960.
Hednesford – known as The Pitmen – have been left in huge trouble after Staffordshire businessman Gary Hartland pulled out of the deal to buy the club.
It leaves them unable to play football next season and throws their long-term future into doubt.
Mr Brumpton was general manager when the team reached the FA Cup fourth round in 1997 and played Middlesbrough, and managing director when they won the FA Trophy at Villa Park seven years later.
He said: "I go back to the 1960s when they were playing at the old Cross Keys Ground in the West Midlands Premier, all the way to when they moved ground, reached the top level of non-league and the glory of the cup and trophy games.
"When I started out watching them I never thought they would progress they way they did – things were a lot different then but the passion for the club from the area was still the same.
"To think they might not be playing next season is a crying shame because it has always been a well-run club with a really good hardcore fan base and potential support from the area, and they have a ground which is amongst the best in the Midlands.
"From a fan's point of view, all they want to know is that there is a team they can follow every week or every other week and for them not to be playing next season would be tragic.
Keith Harley helped found the supporters association and has followed the club since his grandfather first took him to a game in 1962. The 68-year-old said fans were upset at the lack of information from the club over the last month and the news had come as a shock.
He said: "As far as we were aware the sale of the club was going through on May 1 but obviously it didn't and we have tried to get information since then but haven't been told anything.
"I admit I have become disillusioned with things over the last few years and not been to as many games as I used to.
"But if we don't play next season it would leave a big void and it would also be difficult to say when we would start again, at what level, or where that would be."
In a statement, prospective owner Gary Hartland said: "I wanted to see if a deal would be done with regards to the football club and the stadium, unfortunately the answer is no.
"I have been unable to secure the purchase of Hednesford Town Football Club and the stadium due to the complexities of transferring both the club and the property. I wish Hednesford Town Football Club all the best for the future."
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