Published: Wednesday, 14th May, 2008 18:00
Cash crisis to kill Bees?
By Charles Watts
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Bees coach Dwight Parrish looks set to move on after yet more financial problems have left a serious doubt on Bracknell's future.
THE collapse of a major sponsorship deal has left the Bracknell Bees in real financial difficulties – and they could be just days away from folding.
Owner Katie Eleftheriou told the News that the potential sponsor pulled out of talks with the club just over a week ago and if another isn’t found before Friday then there is a good chance the Bees will not be icing next season.
She is optimistic, however, that a solution could be found and has issued a plea for anyone around the town to come in and help save the club.
Eleftheriou said: “We do have a few problems. I’ve been speaking to a major sponsor for a number of months now but, unfortunately, 10 days ago that fell through.
“They decided they didn’t want to sponsor the team and that’s left us in a big hole. Whilst we do have a number of small sponsors and we have raised some money, it’s not enough to keep us going.
“We’re trying to cut costs as much as possible but that will have a knock-on effect on the team.”
On the possibility of Bracknell following the recent example of the Chelmsford Chieftains and having to drop out of the league, Eleftheriou added: “There is a possibility.
“We’ve got a deadline of Friday (tomorrow) to let the league know and if nothing comes up between now and then we could be in trouble.
“The Bees may still play on but I may not have the licence. The trouble is though that there’s not many people who want to invest in ice hockey. I’m hoping that some publicity may flush people out.
“I’ve spoken to the rink, they may have someone who is capable of taking over the licence or they may be able to help me out. I don’t really know what way it’s going to go.
“Obviously this is very hard for me as a fan. I’ll carry on working as hard as I can to make sure the funding is in place for the season.”
Bees coach Dwight Parrish had a meeting with Eleftheriou on Monday and has admitted that the instability at the club is forcing him to consider his future.
With a wife and young child to support he knows he can’t wait around forever for things to be sorted out but he says he will look at things once Friday’s deadline passes.
He said: “It’s all very unfortunate. Everywhere I go this seems to happen, I don’t know if it’s me that brings the bad luck.
“The last few months have been a real struggle. I really like it here and so does my wife but there’s only so much you can take, especially now we have the little guy.
“The instability and insecurity is worrying. I’m not a spring chicken anymore and it’s tough to deal with.”
Parrish added: “I’ll see what happens after Friday but even if things pan out it doesn’t guarantee I’ll be staying. But regardless of whether I stay or not I just want what is best for the club.
“It will be a real shame for the community not to have a club in the town but unfortunately hockey in this country is not the biggest sport.
“It’s not just the Bees that are struggling and I think Chelmsford pulling out has really opened up a lot of people’s eyes.”
Ryan Watt was the first of last season’s squad to leave the Bees this week when he opted to make the move along the M4 to the Swindon Wildcats and Parrish admits he’s been surprised more have not joined him.
He said: “I know they’ve been contacted by other teams and it shows how much respect they’ve got for the club that more have not left.
“Credit to them for that but they can’t wait around forever. I couldn’t blame any of them for going.”
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