02/12/08

Lewes manager Kevin Keehan and Mark Henderson, the owner of club sponsor Magic Man, are both working on schemes that aim to secure the future of Lewes Football Club.

Keehan has launched an appeal to secure the short-term future of the club, by asking people to donate £100 whilst a long-term solution to the financial problems is found.

Keehan and his players have made the donation and he has also received £1000 from the chairman of Blue Square South leaders Chelmsford and £100 from St Francis Rangers who were the first club that Keehan faced as Rooks manager.

Keehan said “This idea might keep things going in the short term so that nothing drastic happens while people are trying to put something together for the long term.

“I have got 30 people who have donated so far and everyone who does so will be listed in the programme and on the club website. This isn’t the answer but a short-term fix which gives us enough time to find a long-term solution.”

Anyone wanting to help should send a cheque made payable to ‘Lewes Football Club’ to Kevin Keehan, Lewes FC, Castleworks, Westgate, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1YR or email kk@lewesfc.com for more details.

Meanwhile Mark Henderson, owner of club sponsor Magic Man, has launched his own bid to persuade 100 businesses or groups to give £5000 each to help secure the future of the club.

Henderson has a meeting at the Dripping Pan on Thursday 4th December at 7pm for interested parties and supporters to discuss the schemes progress and next moves. Individuals, groups or businesses willing to help should email him at lewes@magicman.ltd.uk

Speaking to The Argus, he said, “There is a strong feeling for the club and it is because of this that I got involved. Lots of people really want to do something about it but can’t and haven’t got anything to galvanise around.

“I have no problem with putting money in and having nothing to do with it. There may be people more able to lead things but if nothing is done the club won’t survive in its present form. I want to make people realise what the situation is.”

“I am in a good position because I have no allegiances to anyone. It would be a shame for it to dissipate now after all the success the club has had.”