I've said this before on here but it's probably worth bringing it up again. Witton were model landlords when we shared with them for our first 4 years in existence.
No I have no clue what they originally quoted you to play there, and we certainly weren't paying peanuts in rent. Witton have a magnificent facility for mid-level non league football and are always on the lookout for a viable tenent because their pitch can handle it well. And you get your money's worth. Witton fully staffed and operated the ground meaning our volunteers could do other things or enjoy the game. They also did things like kit management for us, so whenever we had a home game the kit would be washed, pressed and hung up ready for us without us having to do a tap!
Have you considered that they might have asked a hefty rate at the beginning because you had nothing to prove you were a sustainable entity. Now you have, and you might get a better rate on a longer term deal. You will definitely pay more than Winsford, probably double if not a touch more, but something else nobody mentions on here is the increase in attendances and commercial interest that actually playing in Northwich should bring.
When we finished at Witton we were pulling in avg of 110-130 hardy souls who could drive. Since our return to Runcorn we have averaged well over 300 each year with a good chunk of that children. Attracted local sponsors that wouldn't touch us in Northwich because it's no benefit to them, took on 35 kids teams, an academy team and a ladies team that play at the MLS.
Now I know it's slightly different because we moved to Runcorn into our own facility where as you would be moving to Northwich on a ground share, but this should lead to a big increase in supporters and commercial/sponsorship opportunities, hence helping you cover the rent. If you don't believe that then you should perhaps question the need to get a ground in Northwich of your own if it's just going to be for your 250 regulars that you currently attract.
No I have no clue what they originally quoted you to play there, and we certainly weren't paying peanuts in rent. Witton have a magnificent facility for mid-level non league football and are always on the lookout for a viable tenent because their pitch can handle it well. And you get your money's worth. Witton fully staffed and operated the ground meaning our volunteers could do other things or enjoy the game. They also did things like kit management for us, so whenever we had a home game the kit would be washed, pressed and hung up ready for us without us having to do a tap!
Have you considered that they might have asked a hefty rate at the beginning because you had nothing to prove you were a sustainable entity. Now you have, and you might get a better rate on a longer term deal. You will definitely pay more than Winsford, probably double if not a touch more, but something else nobody mentions on here is the increase in attendances and commercial interest that actually playing in Northwich should bring.
When we finished at Witton we were pulling in avg of 110-130 hardy souls who could drive. Since our return to Runcorn we have averaged well over 300 each year with a good chunk of that children. Attracted local sponsors that wouldn't touch us in Northwich because it's no benefit to them, took on 35 kids teams, an academy team and a ladies team that play at the MLS.
Now I know it's slightly different because we moved to Runcorn into our own facility where as you would be moving to Northwich on a ground share, but this should lead to a big increase in supporters and commercial/sponsorship opportunities, hence helping you cover the rent. If you don't believe that then you should perhaps question the need to get a ground in Northwich of your own if it's just going to be for your 250 regulars that you currently attract.
