A NEW executive committee to run Saffron Walden Town Football Club will be voted in by supporters next week in the hope of bringing back first team football to Catons Lane.

More than 75 people gathered at the Saffron Hotel last Thursday (March 1) to hear the latest developments in the effort to restore the 24th oldest club in the country to its former glory.

Mayor Cliff Treadwell led the meeting, where he told those present the club had to appoint a chairman, vice chairman, treasurer and secretary as part of an eight-man executive committee.

He said: “We have to show the Essex FA we are acting in a democratic way. The first step towards doing this is for members of the club to elect a new committee to help get it back up and running.”

Cllr Treadwell made it clear the club was in a serious situation – saying it had effectively been given a “yellow card”. He added the club had been told it could face fines and a possible suspension from the league if it did not show it was being run in a democratic and organised way.

But he also said the goodwill was there from the Essex FA to reinstate the club and for it to re-enter the Ridgeons League at the beginning of next season.

Supporters and backers were told that although the club was not in debt, there was also no money available to spend. But there was hope �50,000 worth of grants and funding could be applied for to help “re-establish it on a sound financial footing”.

Interim chairman John Ryan, who has no intention of taking up the position long-term, said he also hoped a supporters club could be re-formed in the future.

“Everybody has shown tremendous support and it has been fascinating to see the passion shown to get first team football played in Saffron Walden again,” said Cllr Treadwell.

“But it is very important that supporters get their membership forms in and nominate those they want to see running the club.”

To be eligible to vote, supporters must complete a membership form, available on the website saffronwaldentownfc.com, and pay a “token gesture” of �2. Nominations for the committee are also welcome – and members will vote on who should take up what position.

Membership forms can be submitted before next Thursday’s meeting (March 15) at 7.30pm in the clubhouse at Catons Lane, where the vote will take place.

For juniors and seniors membership is �1 but juniors are not eligible to vote.

• WHAT do you think? Are you pleased first team football could be returning to Saffron Walden Town Football Club soon? Will you be signing up as a club member? Email your thoughts to sam.tonkin@archant.co.uk