Thornbury Town FC

Thornbury Town FC has launched a fundraising appeal in an attempt to recoup losses made as a

result of the coronavirus pandemic .

Thornbury Football Club is estimating a shortfall in their income of aoound £10,000 in 2020.Town had been hit badly by the bad weather at the start of the year and only had two home first team fixtures from the end of November.

All revenue was then lost after the season came to a premature end. Fundraising events including the junior section summer tournament, sponsored race nights and quiz nights also had to be cancelled due ti the pandemic.

A statement from the club's fundraising page said: "We face the prospect of struggling to cover our running costs, let alone provide the funding for the new stand that is required for us to gain promotion to the next level.

"The club has permission for the installation of a new stand and the relocation of the existing stand to the far side of the pitch, giving a much better view of the game for spectators."More importantly they will offer spectators much more protection from the prevailing winds and rain than the existing stand does, tucked away as it is in the corner of the ground! "We also have permission for an extension to our clubhouse, improving the matchday experience for our supporters and all visitors to our games. It will also provide the opportunity for use by various groups from the local community on non-match days.

"Unfortunately because of the loss of income we have suffered during the year we are not in a position to move ahead with these projects."

The club is now asking it’s supporters, ex-players and anyone with an interest in supporting the club to help, by making a donation in exchange for various rewards. So far more than £1,200 has been raised.

More details are available at crowdfunder. co.uk/thornbury-town-fc-covid-recovery-fund- raiser.

After six months of enforced inactivity Thornbury Town first team get back to competitive action Saturday 11th September when they play their first Uhlsport Hellenic League fixture of the new season with a visit to Clanfield85. In the past, visits to Radcot Road have proved to be tricky encounters but manager Jason Rees is hoping for a winning start to the new campaign.

Thornbury Football Club have managed to retain last season’s squad with the exception of Dave Jones, but with a number of new signings there will be lots of competition for places.

Harry Walton and Elliott Gardner have both had Toolstation Western League experience with Cribbs whilst experienced James DeRosa makes a welcome return to the Mundys having also spent time at Cribbs. Former Port Talbot Town forward Ben Ryan has also signed along with Bath City Under18 keeper Mackenzie Welsh.

The pre-season friendlies went well with a mixture of results against strong opposition.

One of the highlights was a 4 goal haul for Luke Franklin in a 5-2 win at Longlevens, whilst their last friendly at Southern League side Larkhall Athletic saw Town slip to a 5-0 defeat which was not as emphatic as the scoreline suggests. Meanwhile the Reserves and A team have both started the new Bristol & District League season, having both been promoted at the close of last season.

The Reserves started with an emphatic 5-2 win at Hartcliffe with Harrison Young notching two and Matt Constable, Joe Wisby and Cam Drew completing the scoring.

The A team went two goals down before Paul Turner and Matt Smith brought them level and secure a good point against Iron Acton.

This Saturday the Reserves are at home to Hanham Athletic Reserves at the Mundys whilst the A team visit Oldland Abbotonians. Both games kick off at 2:30pm.

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