Star comment: Act now to save AFC Telford United's proud past
At the time, it seemed such a good idea. And, in an ideal world, it would have been an unqualified success.
But capitalism and the crazy world of football are as far removed from idealism as it's possible to be. Little wonder, then, that the fan-owned AFC Telford are in dire straits.
They need £50,000 to tide them over and will almost certainly have to change their business model to attract wealthy benefactors who have the time and money to make a go of things.
Football is one of the most peculiar of all businesses.
In order for clubs to succeed, they need to be successful both on and off the pitch.
Frequently, one fuels the other. Clubs that have historically been a commercial success, like Manchester United, has vast revenues from fans, sponsors and media companies that enable it to buy the best players.
A virtuous circle ensues of investment, success and greater popularity.
The reverse is true. One only has to look at West Midlands clubs like Wolverhampton Wanderers, Aston Villa, Coventry City and Birmingham City to see what happens when support and success ebb away.
It becomes harder and harder to stem the flow. Clubs become locked in a vicious cycle of low confidence and poor results as fans no longer engage, revenues dry up and the bank manager starts to take an ever-closer interest in performances of a financial nature.
AFC Telford, sadly, find themselves at the wrong end of the curve. They are in a lose-lose position where cashflows are poor, income has fallen and costs have spiralled.
The situation is not yet life and death but an injection of cash is needed in order to keep things on an even keel.
The club may not be at death's door but the emergency doctor has been called and his prognosis is not good.
When players are having to travel in their own cars and face non-payment in months to come things are getting a little creaky. It creates an impression of impermanence and in the eyes of some may give AFC Telford the reputation for being only a few rungs higher than Sunday league outfits.
It is, therefore, up to the community to step in. AFC Telford has a proud tradition and the region would not want to lose it.
It has been saved once before and we must act now before things get worse.
