Nigel Allen releases statement after Clapham enforces ban on Southport FC board meeting

On (Weds 3rd May) I along with the 2 other Directors appointed to the board in September were scheduled to not only attend but I was to chair a Board meeting at the Football Club.

At 8:50am, I along with the other Directors of the club received an email communication from the former chairman advising that myself as interim chair, Dave Barron and Liam Watson could not attend the scheduled meeting because the clubs lawyers had allegedly brought to the attention of the former chairman that the Companies articles limited the board of Pinewise Ltd (TA Southport FC) to 7 Directors. Our appointments taking the number of registered directors to 10 an oversight on appointment.

It’s the first time since our appointment in September that 3 of the Directors have been invited to attend and a 4th to the best of my knowledge has resided in the United States for a number of years. The silent majority have finally stepped forward it would appear.

The main item on the agenda was any expressions of interest from any potential third party investors. As is already public knowledge Dave was stepping down from the board at the end of the financial year and the above has merely accelerated his exit. After consulting with my lawyer I was advised to step down with immediate effect and notified the board of my intention on Wednesday afternoon via email.

Primarily there is little point being part of a board that has no credible function and is merely paying lip service in terms of decision making. A board and it’s members should act in the best interests of the company at all times irrespective of shareholding or vested personal interests.

Having supported the club over the last decade, Wednesday was a sad conclusion, to what can only be described as a bizarre month and now is the time more than ever that the long term future and structure of Southport Football club should be resolved in an open and transparent manner.

Thank you to those that have offered their support since September. I will not be making any further comment and wish Southport Football Club all the very best for the future.

Nigel Allen