Fears for Nuneaton Borough Football Club after eviction note issued

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Players had to relocate after their home stadium was padlocked shut



Doubt has been cast over the future of Nuneaton Borough Football Club after an eviction notice forced a football match to be relocated at the last minute.

The team were scheduled to face Bromsgrove Sporting FC at the FCS stadium in Liberty Way on Tuesday but it was moved to Hinckley LRFC.

The club has previously faced budget difficulties. In 2019, an appeal was made to save the club from debt.

Owner Jimmy Ginnelly has been approached for a comment.

A board meeting has been scheduled for the club to plan its next steps, BBC CWR understands.

Despite the stadium being padlocked shut, about 260 fans turned up to the new ground to support the team and the players secured a 2-0 win.

Volunteer and supporter Michael said: "It's quite sad really, I've followed them since their great FA Cup runs in the 1960s.

"This is an ongoing thing with Nuneaton, we always seem to have money problems. We lost Manor Park and we don't want to lose this.

"We're about £650,000 in debt, we were in debt last year when we had a successful season and £160,000 was still added on to what we've already got.

"It's a crying shame that it's come to this."

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Nuneaton Borough FC moves FA Trophy match amid rent arrears issue



A football club has relocated its FA Trophy match after being issued an eviction notice.

Nuneaton Borough FC's stadium landlord took back possession of the grounds on Tuesday, leaving the club in a "critical situation."

Bosses said the club has been behind in rent payments since 2019.

The First Round match between Nuneaton and Hyde United on Saturday will now take place at Ewen Fields in Manchester.

FCS Stadium in Liberty Way has been shut since receiving the eviction notice which led to the last-minute move for the team to play at Hinckley.

In a statement the club, owned by Jimmy Ginnelly, said it had made good progress in catching up with rent arrears and was on course to complete the payments by December.

A spokesperson added: "The current situation is quite fluid and everyone is working tirelessly behind the scenes to try and find a solution that keeps Nuneaton Borough at the FCS Stadium, however without our home we are in a critical situation.

"The lost income from matches and events will damage the club's ability to continue."

The club also issued an apology to fans for the short notice relocation of the FA Trophy match to Hyde United's grounds.

Jed McCrory, the chairman of Stratford Town, has offered the club free use of their stadium.

He told BBC CWR: "When you look at it from a football club perspective it is a little bit frustrating, that we've worked so hard to get the town and the sponsors to start supporting this club and getting behind it."

Nuneaton men's first team competes in the Southern League Premier Division Central.

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Nuneaton Borough FC moves 'last' game to Stratford Town

Troubled Nuneaton Borough FC is to use Stratford Town's pitch to play its weekend fixture with officials fearing it could be the club's last ever game.

The club was issued with an eviction notice last month after bosses said it had been behind in rent payments since 2019.

In a social media post the club thanked Stratford Town for the "magnificent gesture in our hour of need".

But said the fixture against Alvechurch may sadly be the club's last.

The team had already relocated its FA Cup First Round match against Hyde United last month to Ewen Fields in Manchester and an earlier game to Hinckley after the eviction notice shut the FCS Stadium in Liberty Way.

The club, owned by Jimmy Ginnelly, said at time it had made good progress in catching up with the arrears and was on course to complete the payments by December.

But in a further update on social media this week, they said although they were on course to do that, locking the ground up lost the club over £60,000 in lost revenue from three home games and a fireworks night.

"Because of all of this the club is in a perilous position," they said.

Former chairman Stuart Elliott stepped in to help pay the players' wages last week, they added.

Landlord Arden Tigress has been contacted by the BBC for a response.

Ahead of Saturday's fixture, the club said it hoped as many of "the Boro faithful" would make the trip.

"We would like to place on record our huge thanks to Stratford Town owner Jed McCrory for letting us use the pitch free of charge - a magnificent gesture in our hour of need," a spokesperson said.

"We would also like to thank Alvechurch and the Southern League for their co-operation.

Work continued behind the scenes to rectify the situation, they said, adding "but this may sadly be the last time that Boro play".

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Nuneaton Borough FC thanks fans for another week's survival



A football team mired in financial difficulties has thanked fans for their "unwavering support".

Nuneaton Borough FC officials feared Saturday's match could be the club's last, after it was served an eviction notice over rent arrears.

But the "amazing efforts" of supporters means it can cover costs to play the next two away games, it said.

"I'll be brutally honest, I was crying when I spoke to the fans [on Saturday]," said owner Jimmy Ginnelly.

"Because it means so much to me and my family and the people of Nuneaton," he told BBC Coventry and Warwickshire.

Having notched up its sixth consecutive win on Saturday, the club's fortunes on the pitch are in much better shape.

Boro, as it is known, is currently trying to find a solution with landlord Arden Tigress, which the BBC has approached for comment.

It has been locked out of its Liberty Way stadium for about three weeks and plays on a borrowed pitch.

The club has been behind in rent payments since 2019, and its troubles worsened during the Covid pandemic.

However, before it was locked out it had been "on course" to pay its debts by next month.

But it has lost at least £60,000 in revenue from home games and other events since being locked out, club bosses said.

Boro also thanked fellow Southern League side Stratford Town for allowing them to play Saturday's home fixture against Alvechurch, at its Knights Lane ground.

Boro beat Alvechurch 3-2, on Saturday.

"We hope you will follow the team in your numbers," the club's latest statement said.

"Not only does your support boost the players, we also receive a share of the gate receipts."

Mr Ginnelly told the BBC he addressed fans about the situation ahead of the match.

He also made a plea to Arden Tigress' directors, stressing: "Guys, I am begging you, open the gates for the people of Nuneaton borough."

The club said its priority was reopening the stadium but if this failed, it would look into ground sharing. It had also received several inquiries regarding "a potential club takeover", which it said it would evaluate.

"We are open to any proposals that would ensure the club's continued existence," it added.

The team plays away against Coventry Sphinx on Tuesday night and in the FA Trophy at Banbury on Saturday.

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Nuneaton Borough: Investment firm DA Capital completes takeover of non-league club

A takeover of under-threat non-league side Nuneaton Borough has been completed, the club has announced.

Boro's future was cast into doubt after it was served with an eviction notice from its FCS Stadium home in October by landlords Arden Tigress.

Manager Jimmy Ginnelly has doubled as club owner since 2019 but investment company DA Capital have now taken over.

Ginnelly said the ownership change was "the best possible outcome for the survival and growth of the club".

DA Capital director David Anderson will take operational control of the Southern League Premier Central club, alongside Nick Thompson and Robert Tidmarsh.

Ginnelly will retain his managerial role, with the club sitting seventh in the table and just a point outside the play-offs despite the off-field issues.

"David, Robert and Nick have a great knowledge of football business and understand the local aspect that make this club so special," Ginnelly added.

"Now I can focus fully on the football, which is what I have always wanted to do and leave the business of the club in good hands."

The club, however, remains without a ground while the eviction notice stays in place, with their next home game scheduled for Saturday, 2 December against Leiston.

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Troubled non-league side to stage match at Coventry's CBS Arena



Troubled Nuneaton Borough are to host their next home game, against AFC Fylde on Saturday, 9 December, at the Coventry Building Society Arena.

The Sky Blues, who rent the stadium from Mike Ashley's Frasers Group, are hosting a Championship game against Birmingham the Friday night before.

That leaves the stadium free for Boro's FA Trophy second-round tie.

Boro face ongoing issues regarding access to their stadium in Nuneaton, at Liberty Way.

The club, who have rented their ground from Nuneaton Rugby Club since leaving their long-time Manor Park home in 2007, were first served with an eviction notice over rent arrears in October.

Having switched their FA Trophy first-round tie with Hyde United to Manchester, they have since played two home games at fellow non-league side Stratford Town.

They approached the Sky Blues - and the two clubs have now reached an agreement with the Coventry Building Society Arena, which will host the game free of charge.

"We can't thank Doug King [chief executive], Dave Boddy and the team at the Coventry Building Society Arena enough for their unbelievable gesture," said Boro manager Jimmy Ginnelly.

Coventry owner Doug King added: "We are pleased to be able to help our friends at Nuneaton Borough in these difficult times for them.

"As a club we are only too aware of the situation that they find themselves in. When they approached us, we were very keen to play our part and help arrange for the game against Fylde to take place at our home ground.

"We thank Coventry Building Society Arena for supporting us in making this happen. Supporting our local community is really important for us at Coventry City."

Seventh-tier Nuneaton face a trip to Leiston in the league on Saturday before their cup game against Fylde.

CBS Arena managing director Paul Michael said: "We're proud to be working alongside Coventry City to host Nuneaton Borough's upcoming FA Trophy fixture against AFC Fylde.

"Supporting our local community is really important to us as a venue, so we are pleased to be able to support Coventry City in providing Nuneaton Borough with access to their pitch next weekend as a goodwill gesture.

"We appreciate this is a difficult time for Nuneaton Borough supporters, and we hope this gesture plays a part in helping them to secure their long-term future."

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Nuneaton Borough keen to return to Liberty Way home



Nuneaton Borough are keen to return to their rented home at Liberty Way - over a month after being evicted.

The non-league side have played a home game at Stratford, will play at Coventry's CBS Arena on Saturday, and have switched their other home games.

But, while discussing a temporary move to Leicestershire side Barwell, new owners DA Capital, say the long-term plan is to be back in Nuneaton.

"We are keen to get the club back to Liberty Way," said a club statement.

"One of our first jobs following the takeover has been approaching the landlord to enter into talks with us.

"We can advise a letter has been sent to the landlord's solicitor and we are awaiting a response back.

"We have no interest in anything than getting back to Liberty Way and we are keen to get this resolved as soon as possible."

DA Capital, an investment and business recovery specialist firm owned by David Anderson, purchased a majority shareholding in Borough on 23 November.

But, following several days of social media speculation over the intentions of himself and his two fellow investors Nick Thompson and Robert Tidmarsh, Anderson said: "I apologise to all for the limited communication since our takeover two weeks ago and for any consequent uncertainty regarding the club's ownership.

"We needed to find our feet in the club and get to know what we are faced with and how we are going to work to find a solution, and we felt it premature to release a meaningful statement prior to having assessed the situation.

"Our ambition is to get Nuneaton back to Liberty Way as quick as possible and for this football club to run on its own feet with minimal financial input."

In the meantime, after this Saturday's FA Trophy tie against AFC Fylde, Boro's immediate plan is to groundshare at Barwell 10 miles away across the Leicestershire border.

"An agreement is in the process of being formulated with Barwell to accommodate us for our upcoming home fixtures," said the club statement.

"We also want to say a massive thank to Doug King, Dave Boddy and the Coventry Building Society Arena for letting us use the stadium for the FA Trophy game against Fylde."

Nuneaton also say they want to "tackle the club's debt, which will of necessity involve some harsh decisions in the short term."

Liberty Way, previously owned by Nuneaton Rugby Club, has been Borough's home since leaving their old Manor Park home in 2007, has been owned by Arden Tigress since 2019.

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DA Capital 'relinquish ownership' of Nuneaton

Troubled Nuneaton Borough are again looking for new investors after DA Capital "relinquished ownership".

It was announced on 23 November that DA Capital director David Anderson had taken control of the Southern League Premier Central club, alongside Nick Thompson and Robert Tidmarsh.

"DA Capital have decided they can no longer take the club forward," said a club statement on Friday.

"We are seeking new ownership that will ultimately secure the club's future."

Sunday's home game against Telford United, at Barwell, is not affected.

Boro majority shareholders Mark Grimes and Ian Cook are optimistic of finding new buyers and hope to hold talks next week.

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Nuneaton Borough 'considering liquidation' after withdrawing from league

Nuneaton Borough are facing liquidation after withdrawing from Southern League Premier Division Central.

The club said it faced "insurmountable challenges in maintaining operations" and was unable to continue trading.

A statement added they had been told an offer to buy their former ground, Liberty Way, would not be considered and no new lease would be given.

"Armed with this information our future investors have had to withdraw any future support," the statement said.

"Furthermore, without additional investment or new investors to provide financial support, the club is unable to continue trading.

"In light of these circumstances, we are now considering the liquidation process.

"This decision comes with a heavy heart, and we deeply appreciate the unwavering support from our loyal fans and the football community during this challenging time."

On 23 November it was announced that DA Capital director David Anderson had taken control of the club, alongside Nick Thompson and Robert Tidmarsh.

But last month a statement was released appealing for new owners to secure the club's future.

Seventh-tier Nuneaton moved to Liberty Way, previously owned by Nuneaton Rugby Club, after leaving Manor Park in 2007 and the stadium has been owned by Arden Tigress since 2019.

They were served with an eviction notice over rent arrears in October, since when they have played home games initially at Stratford Town, one FA Trophy tie at the nearby Coventry Building Society Arena and latterly Barwell, 10 miles away across the county border in Leicestershire.

Supporters formed the current club as 'a phoenix club' when the former incarnation of Nuneaton Borough were liquidated in 2008 before reforming as Nuneaton Town.

The 'Borough' part of the club's name was then reinstated during the summer of 2018.

The old Boro were founder members of the Alliance Premier League in 1979 when non-league football in England was first given a proper pyramid structure.

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Supporters plan new phoenix club following non-league side's collapse

Nuneaton Borough supporters plan to start again further down the non-league pyramid, following the collapse of the existing club.

Financially-challenged Borough withdrew from the Southern League Premier Division Central on 18 January, three months on from being evicted from their home in the town at Liberty Way.

There had been hopes of a rescue takeover by two Birmingham businessmen.

But they have withdrawn their interest after a supporter consortium emerged.

The Nuneaton Borough Supporters Co-Operative met on Monday night, and have now released a statement outlining a plan to ally with several local businesses and institutions to set up as a Community Interest Company, ensuring that any money raised stays within the club and the community.

National League North side Chester, the phoenix club from a former Football League outfit, operate under a similar fan-owned structure.

The club has been working directly with Andy Walsh of the Football Supporters' Association - but face a deadline of 1 March if they are to be allowed to enter the league system for the 2024-25 season.

The fans' plan was set up as a counter-proposal to a project outlined by Gary Holliday and Stephen Harris, two Birmingham businessmen with no connection to Nuneaton, who proposed to start a new phoenix club at a fans' meeting on 31 January.

The Borough supporters were keen to avoid a repeat of the situation with former Football League side Bury, where two different phoenix clubs were created after their expulsion by the EFL.

But the Holliday and Harris proposal has now been abandoned.

The pair issued a statement, saying: "We said we would never split the supporter base and ask them to pick a side which, if me and Gary continue, is exactly what we would be asking you to do.

"The town deserves a lot more than to go down that route after everything it's faced."

The Nuneaton Borough that began the season as Boro Leisure Ltd is still facing liquidation, having said that it faced "insurmountable challenges in maintaining operations" and was unable to continue trading.

Hopes of a takeover quickly faded - and there are now no listed directors to start insolvency proceedings.

It is now expected to be wound up by His Majesty's Revenue & Customs.

The club was also formed by supporters as a phoenix outfit in 2008 after the original incarnation of Nuneaton Borough was liquidated.

They reformed initially as Nuneaton Town, only for the 'Borough' part of the club's old name to be reinstated in 2018.