Every member of staff at Lincoln City Football Club has been offered voluntary redundancy, the Echo can reveal.
The move is part of a major review of the cash-strapped outfit’s finances, writes Ed Grover.
Tough times: Steve Prescott
Imps chief executive Steve Prescott admits falling attendances has forced the Blue Square Bet Premier club to reassess its cashflow.
Mr Prescott said the club needed to start “behaving like a non-league club”.
Formal consultation will begin if it is decided compulsory redundancies are required from the club’s 20 full-time permanent staff.
The date when the review results will be confirmed has not been announced.
Mr Prescott explained average home attendances have fallen to around 2,200, from around 3,000 last season.
“There is going to be less money coming into the football club, so we need to look at our costs going forward,” he said.
“If there is someone that wants to take voluntary redundancy, it could possibly help to avoid compulsory redundancies.
“I had a meeting with the staff several weeks ago and explained it may or may not mean we need to restructure the business.
“As soon as we know this, we will talk to them one-on-one about the outcome of the review,” explained Prescott.
This season’s earlier financial forecasts were based on the assumption City would finish in a mid-to-high league position.
Mr Prescott believes promotion back to the Football League is unlikely and the club would have to react accordingly.
He said: “Should we fail to win promotion back to the Football League at the first attempt, we would have to reduce our operating costs, and pro player budgets, to ensure that the club remains sustainable for season 2012-13 and beyond.”
Next season, the Imps will not have the benefit of a £225,000 parachute payment, issued by the Football League following relegation in their last campaign.
The drop meant a combined £680,000 was lost from the Football League and Premier League and TV broadcast cash was withdrawn.
Imps bosses hold regular talks with potential investors and more are being invited to come forward.
Mr Prescott said: “I would urge any individuals or groups who are seriously interested in investing in Lincoln City FC to contact me to arrange a short initial meeting.”
