The Euro’s have left us wanting more football talk! So here it is! We sit down with Neil Sears, the CEO of two-time FA Cup winners Bury FC, to discuss the club’s remarkable journey to becoming fan-owned and the vital role volunteers play in the sporting world. We’ll uncover the challenges and triumphs of maintaining a football club without traditional broadcast revenue, while also gaining some exciting insights into the power and impact of volunteers in sports.
Episode Summary
.
Managing a Turnaround Club with Limited Resources
Neil faces the unique challenge of managing a football club that is undergoing a significant turnaround, all while operating out of a League Two stadium with a minimal staff. With only three employees—Neil himself, the stadium manager, and the assistant stadium manager—running the stadium and overseeing club operations is no small feat. Neil emphasizes the need for a balance between investing in players and enhancing the infrastructure. While fans may see spending on stadium improvements as a potential liability, Neil stresses that having the right infrastructure is crucial for long-term success. Without it, investing solely in player wages could lead to the club’s downfall.
Building Trust and Managing Fan Relationships
For Neil, effective communication with the fan base is a cornerstone of his role. He has chosen to bypass social media interactions, which he believes can be unproductive and distracting. Instead, Neil prefers to keep fans engaged through structured means such as monthly Q&A sessions, in-person availability on match days, and regular program notes. This method allows him to address fan questions transparently and maintain a strong relationship with supporters. Additionally, Neil’s approach includes organizing fan forums and creating avenues for direct communication, demonstrating his commitment to transparency and engagement.
Planning for Future Growth and Challenges
Looking to the future, Neil is focused on the club’s growth potential, particularly with the possibility of moving up to a higher league. Although advancing to the Northern Premier League might not immediately increase matchday revenues or prize money, Neil recognizes the importance of setting the groundwork for future success. He envisions improvements such as a new 3G pitch to attract more local engagement and generate additional revenue. Neil is also aware of the need to carefully manage volunteer resources and plan for future staffing requirements. By addressing these areas, he aims to steer the club toward greater stability and eventual promotion.
.
To find out more about Neil, check out our full episode – available on all your favourite channels. Now including YouTube!
.
This article summarises podcast episode 114 “The Rebirth Of Bury FC” recorded by CX Insider.
Written by Elysia Filaitis
