8th tier club Bashley FC issue an alarming statement to its fans in the hope of staying alive beyond the next 5 months.
The Southern League Division One South strugglers say they are in financial danger of going under unless drastic action is taken.
A recent governance investigation fully cleared the current leadership, and top cut costs and ensure short-term survival, three first-team players (Lloyd Thomas, Conor Whiteley, and George Britton) have been released.
Manager Jack Williamson and all backroom staff and the remaining squad are staying but the club openly admit it must live within its means and is now fighting to stay alive.
Gutted. A place where I enjoyed my football for once and everyone at the club were genuine, good people. I wish all the staff, players and more importantly fans the best for the future, massive thanks to Jack for bringing me in !
— LloydThomas 🇸🇭 (@LloydThomas96) December 9, 2025
STATEMENT:
Following the conclusion of the recent governance investigation, we can confirm that the findings fully support the actions and approach taken by the current leadership of the club.
This outcome reflects the facts & evidence presented – and we thank all those that stood by the club during a challenging period and recognised truth.
This now allows the club to move forward with confidence and operate in a fully transparent and accountable manner for the benefit of our supporters and the long-term future of Bashley Football Club.
In light of this clarity, and given the significant financial challenges facing the club, we have had to make a series of difficult but essential decisions to ensure Bashley operates within its means. These decisions have not been taken lightly, but they are necessary to safeguard the survival and sustainability of the club.
As part of this transition, we sadly have to say goodbye to a number of much-loved first team players that will be departing the club. We can confirm the exits of:
Lloyd Thomas, Conor Whiteley & George Britton.
We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to all of these departing players. They have represented the club with commitment and professionalism, and they leave with our deepest gratitude. They will always be welcome at Bashley.
We are delighted to confirm following productive meetings – Jack Williamson and all backroom staff are remaining with the football club. The challenge is considerable, but we firmly believe that as a club – we have the right leadership in place to navigate the challenges ahead. Alongside the management team – the rest of the squad equally remain committed to this new direction, in what has been challenging circumstances for them all.
We want to thank the supporters who have stood by us during an exceptionally difficult period. Bashley Football Club is a proud institution with a rich history, and we are determined that its future is secure.
The reality is simple:
We must ensure this club survives beyond the next 5 months – and the decisions being made now are essential to making sure it is still here in 50 years.
We are working tirelessly behind the scenes and are preparing to announce a number of new signings as we enter this next chapter. We will build a squad ready to fight for this football club and represent Bashley with pride.
Supporters wishing to help the club financially can do so by contacting info@bashleyfootball.co.uk. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a real difference.
If you’re unable to provide financial support, you can still make a huge difference with your presence. Join us at our next game on Saturday – turn up in numbers, buy a programme, grab a drink, and cheer on the players who are giving everything for this club.
Every voice, every step through the turnstile, and every moment of support helps us build a sustainable future for Bashley Football Club.
This is what Twitter users are saying after the 8th tier club issue an alarming statement in hope of staying alive beyond the next 5 months…
@StephenAmey: Saddened to read this especially as the players departing have represented us in a very challenging league with a woeful travel agenda. But a must for the club if we’re to survive. I hope @BashFCfans really get behind the team at a very testing time indeed… #UpTheBash ⚫️🟡
@edmonds_mark: Thanks for the update (I think!). Worrying times for all. A statement to think about some more but I just wanted to say a huge thank you to Conor, Lloyd and more recently George, who have given so much to the Bash, and will certainly be missed. Thank you lads !! 💛🖤
@ronburgundy1961: Very sad to read this. Both for the club and the departing players. I had no idea the club was in such a mess. Hopefully we can all get down there and support the club in numbers and fight our way out of this. #UpTheBash
@thefarmilybmf: Respect from us lot guys. Proper club, classy statement, and can empathise with the difficulties operating at this level. Aware how hard it can be to take a step backwards, but sure it will mean two forward in the near future. Look forward to visiting you later this season
@Vince0455: Any fan with a long memory of the Bash will recognize that we have been here a few times before. But we are still here despite the gloom and doom messages coming out of the club. This is nothing new.
@DaveGroundHops: Never nice when clubs are going through hard times. Bashley have always been vaguely on my radar as I bloody love their badge (and the previous one) but I’ve never been. If you can chip in, do chip in, they come across as a good bunch #nonleague
@BashFCfans: An alarming statement this: Massive shame to lose @LloydThomas96 @conor_whiteley_. Two great servants who gave their all to the bash – massive thanks ✊ The club is clearly battling the books and we need all @BashleyFootball fans to do all they can to support 🙏 Up the bash
@nonleaguesouths: Mixed emotions reading this, certainly some worrying stuff but full focus is on moving forwards and securing the future of the club, best of luck to them!
We really appreciate this 🤝
Please email info@bashleyfootball.co.uk – we have a number of staff & players available to sponsor & individuals or companies can have their name in our brilliant matchday programme alongside the available player / staff member of their choice.…
— Bashley FC (@BashleyFootball) December 9, 2025