Surprised?

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But why have we overstretched so much with financial problems arising after Xmas ?
Is it simply falling attendances - but they're not so diferent to last season

I would hazard a guess that in the "plan" for this season they would have budgeted for attendances of about 3500. If this is true, at 2800 they are short of their target income by about £10k per game, which could leave a shortfall of over £100k by Xmas. Add to that a drop in other income streams (club shop/commercial activity) and that would soon start to mount up and cause problems. Also, season ticket sales are well down on last year which will have stretched the resources during the summer.

The truth is the club could ill afford a slow start. Given the very poor start I would expect that there has been a detailed review of the financial position. This would include a forecast of the possible worst case scenario if the season continues as it is, or gets worse. If a forecast has been created and worked through to a projected cash flow, this would explain why Xmas has all of a sudden been touted as the time present funds dry up.

The truth is the constant failure under JF is now hitting home. The fans to date have been extremely patient. I have been surprised how well attendances have held up over the years despite the decline, but now it looks like the patience of many has worn out. Couple that with the dire economic outlook for the ordinary bloke, and something has to give.

The club needs someone with some financial nouse (as well as a large bank balance!) to turn this mess around - and quickly. The club needs some success now, and despite all the calls for S&H to be given time - time is running out, and fast!