CASH-STRAPPED Bashley are on the brink of folding after chairman Mike Cranidge called a meeting for members to vote on the club’s closure.

The members-run New Forest outfit – currently bottom of the Calor Southern Premier Division – have circulated notice of an emergency general meeting (EGM) on Thursday, March 13 to their 37-strong membership.

A statement issued by Cranidge today said: “Bashley Football Club has defied logic for many years as the village soccer club that made history by attaining Southern Premier League status.

“The rise from park football to Southern Premier was driven by the enthusiasm, hard work and the investment of football-loving local business people, but these have dwindled with the ravages of time.

“More recently, the club has kept going hand-to-mouth, thanks to our main sponsor Hoburne Holiday Parks and the efforts, ingenuity and deep pockets of a handful of inexperienced but passionate volunteers.

“Although never likely to survive on gate receipts alone the drop of income caused by the loss of so many Saturday games from bad weather plus a current lack of sponsors has put survival in doubt. This has now come to a head and Bashley is now dependant on private funding and an understanding squad to finish the season.

“Decisions are required very soon on our participation in the Southern League and FA Cups in season 2014/15 and it is very apparent that without executive level recruitment and guaranteed sponsorship/funding we would be unable to meet the financial obligations required.

“Bashley Football Club is a membership club run by the members and unable to raise or borrow money in the market and hence debt-free but cash poor.

“An EGM has been called to raise awareness of the situation and if help is not forthcoming to dissolve the club.

“On Thursday, March 13, 2014 the 37 members of Bashley Football Club will be voting on the following resolution: that unless adequate funding is forthcoming and executive vacancies filled, Bashley Football Club will have no alternative but to start proceedings to dissolve the club after the completion of the 2013/14 season (30 April 2014).”

In the meantime anyone able to assist the club in their hour of need is urged to call 07591 187663 or email mike.cranidge@btinternet.com