A RAY OF HOPE IN TOUGH TIMES

At a time when Football League clubs are asking their fans to dig deep and pay for streamed online games, and the top flight of the professional game are getting punters to fork out for pay per play on top of their subscriptions, Northern Alliance side Rothbury FC are delighted that one of their fans is just happy to help out.

Generous Ray Ranson is providing a massive boost to the Coquetdalers by sponsoring each home game alongside the official match sponsors, who the club are obviously also massively appreciative of their support.

For while getting people through the turnstiles, programmes, pies and pints can all add to a club’s coffers the further up the pyramid you go, grassroots clubs like Rothbury are reliant on the community round about them to keep the club going.

And with people like Ray quietly going about helping out in his own special way, club Secretary Dan Herron felt it would be remiss not to give him a big mention of thanks.

“We couldn’t operate without the help of our community in the form of sponsorship,” said Dan.

“Ray has agreed to sponsor every home game this season out of his own pocket - true community support that can’t be underestimated, especially given the lost fundraising with COVID restrictions. It’s class of him offering to help out financially for every home game - thanks Ray!”

Local businesses James Edmondson Building Maintenance, James Hammond Electrical, Alan Arkle & Sons Builders and the Townfoot Store have all sponsored games at Armstrong Park so far this season and Herron is keen to thank them all for their support too.

“We have to give a special mention to Andy Law too for his sponsorship in topping the grass and strimming the grounds - all the local businesses that help out by sponsoring games, kit, equipment, or players are hugely appreciated by the football club. We know how hard it has been this year, and for them to support us financially is a massive boost and quite humbling.”

The club has attempted to give back with their club membership scheme, which can still be joined here at just £10 for the season.

The membership gives discounts at local businesses in an effort to stimulate trade in what are difficult times in rural Northumberland. Difficult, but made just that little bit easier by the help of people like Ray Ranson and the businesses that have backed the Reds. All we can say in thank you – it really is appreciated.