BRACKNELL Bees chairman Andrew Cross has admitted the club’s short-term financial prospects are ‘difficult’ after revealing it struggled to pay players and costs last month.

Forward Frantisek Bakrlik left the club on Wednesday, although Cross said he hopes to see the player return to The Hive later in his career.
The Bees have been hit by a string of issues which have affected income, including a 20 per cent drop in season ticket sales, two temporary closures of The Hive and a manufacturing problem with replica shirts.
A third of the Bees scheduled home games are also due to take place in the final seven weeks of the regular season. 
In a statement to fans, Cross admitted the club had encountered severe difficulties in October and is likely to struggle again in November or December. 
He added there is no money available to purchase player equipment, and said: “This season’s finances were carefully constructed using previous seasons’ results. We did not anticipate the disruptions to the ice rink and the drop in season ticket sales. 
“Running an EPIHL team financially is tough enough without the challenges we have faced this season.”
Despite the financial problems, the Bees have won their past two games, and Cross paid tribute to the players.
He commented: “The results are a testament to the players’ strength of character. Our intention is to meet our fixture obligations, reach the play-offs and if recent showings are a barometer of our future performances, I believe we will.”
He revealed the first temporary closure of the ice rink – in pre-season – had cost the club around £8,000.
The second closure meant Bracknell received only £441 in ticket sales and £800 in match night fundraising between October 24 and November 15. Salary and rink rentals costs totalled £28,000 in that period.
A revised financial plan has been created which will mean ice rental charges will be fully paid by the end of February. 
Cross concluded: “Ben (Beeching) and I are determined to do everything within our powers to make funds available for salaries and equipment and we will need the fans’ help to achieve that. 
“The challenges we are faced with are challenging but not insurmountable. We remain with the objective of taking this club into the Elite League where it rightfully belongs.”