Vics' future up for discussion (From Northwich Guardian)

Northwich Victoria will discuss future at open meeting

1:37pm Thursday 17th May 2012 in Vics By Andrew Simpson, Senior Sports Writer

NORTHWICH Victoria fans will discuss their favourite club’s future at another open forum this weekend.

Owner Jim Rushe has been invited too by organisers Northwich Victoria Supporters Trust, so he can answer questions from followers.

The summit takes place at Winnington Park Recreation Club on Saturday from 3pm.

Vics president Derek Nuttall – also former chairman and secretary – invited representatives from the fan base to a meeting at Wincham Community Centre last Tuesday.

He issued a joint statement before the weekend on behalf of those that were there.

It read: “Chairman Jim Rushe attended along with representatives from Northwich Victoria Supporters Trust and Northwich Victoria Juniors.

“In addition, there were present former directors and long-standing supporters who have previously been involved with the old Northwich Victoria Supporters Association and Northwich Victoria Supporters Club along with others who have the interest and well-being of the club at heart.

“The meeting allowed all parties to air their views and opinions and while the conversations were frank, cordial and forthright at times, it was held in a constructive, open and equitable manner.”

A second meeting will follow before the end of this month.

Last week the supporters trust board published an open letter to Mr Rushe, on behalf of fellow fans, in a bid to find out what plans he had for the club’s future.

In it was included a list of the most important questions to which they want an answer.

Meanwhie Mr Rushe insists he will put together a new team after six players left this week to join Welsh club Airbus UK.

Tom Field is one of half a dozen regulars unveiled as new recruits for director of football Andy Preece, who left Northwich in January.

Kyle Armstrong, Chris Budrys, Jordan Johnson, Michael Roddy and Ryan Wade will join their former manager at The Airfield for next season.

Northwich will play at the lowest level in the club’s near 140-years history next term in Evo-Stik NPL Division One as punishment for breaking finance rules.

Evicted from their home ground in January, they have arranged to share Stafford Rangers’ Marston Road.

Another not returning next season is co-manager Martin Foyle, who has left following a brief spell in joint charge with Alan Wright.

His replacement is ex-Burscough boss Andy Mutch, a man who master-minded a famous FA Trophy upset against a Northwich team, then in non-league’s top tier, picked by Dino Maamria back in 2007.