Published: Thursday, 9th April, 2009 4:30pm

Robinson confident Bees will survive

by Anthony Smith

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BRACKNELL Bees general manager Stuart Robinson has assured fans there will be a club next season despite major concerns about its long-term future.

Some supporters fear Sunday's English Premier League Championship play-off defeat to Slough Jets at The Hive could be the last time the Bees ice in Bracknell after a 22-year presence.

Robinson's Bracknell Ice Management Limited (BIML) will now quit running the club as they seek out a new buyer to take over the operating licence from founder John Nike.

And it is believed that talks with potential investors are already progressing.

"We don't know what the long-term future holds as we are still looking for somebody to take over the licence," explained Robinson.

"But I'm sure the future is positive and I'm confident there will be a Bees team on the ice next season."

And he revealed: "I'm pretty sure things will start happening soon, We are in regular talks with the John Nike group and we are aware that parties have already expressed an interest in taking it on."

Robinson and BIML partner Katie Eleftheriou saved Bees midway through last season when former estate agent David Taylor pulled the plug on funding and left players unpaid. The pair steadied the ship and the Bees even landed the EPL Cup.

But there are now serious concerns that next season's running costs could double to more than £50,000.

Robinson said: "We're going to lose at least £20,000 this season but next year, with fewer season ticket sales and less sponsors involved, that could become £50,000.

"That's the worst case scenario and if we haven't got the benefactors in place who are prepared to underwrite it then we can't start the season.

"We always said that we would never go into a season if we thought there were serious concerns about financing it. We have been able to meet operating costs because we currently have benefactors prepared to underwrite them. But they are not prepared to do it at the same level for next season.

"We're trying to maximise every cash-flow stream we know but without that safety net, you simply can't start."

And Robinson also had a message for supporters: "I can understand fans are worried about the future of the club," he stressed.

"But everyone has been working so hard, not least Katie and I who are desperately looking for a solution to the problem.

"I'm convinced one can be found and that there will be a Bracknell Bees next season. I can't guarantee that, but I have a positive feeling. The will is there so we must find a way.

"We have worked so hard this season to keep the club afloat. We turned a £128,000 loss into a £20,000 loss and there is no reason why we can't reduce that even more. I am forever an optimist."

A 7-5 defeat to Slough over two legs meant the Bees failed to make their fourth consecutive play-off finals, which take place in Coventry this weekend.

"It was disappointing to end the season knowing we are not going to Coventry," confessed Robinson. "The fans are upset but no-one is hurting more than the players, Katie or myself.

"The main thing here is that the long-term future of Bracknell is protected and we're doing everything we possibly can to make it happen."