Pandemic takes toll on Bath City FC but community spirit helps club remain hopeful for future
Bath City have been financially hit by Covid-19 but the generosity of fans has helped the club through the toughest period of its 132 year history.
At the backend of the suspended 2019/20 season, the Somerset outfit required the help of supporters to raise funds which would enable the team to compete in the playoffs and have a shot at promotion to the fifth tier.
That Crowdfunder raised a whopping £53,025 which was greatly appreciated by club staff and players alike.
Manager Jerry Gill said: “It just never ceases to amaze me really, especially in a pandemic where everyone’s struggling financially.”
Former player Andy Watkins, affectionately known by the City faithful as “Watto”, was a part of the 2019–20 squad and said: “The contributions the fans gave that season epitomised what the club is all about.”
All matches at Bath City’s home stadium Twerton Park have been played behind closed doors this season which has done the club no favours.
Gill said: “We live and die by our gate receipts.”
The lack of supporters has also had a severe impact on the players’ matchday experience. Watkins said: “The black and white shirts and scarfs and the songs that were sung most definitely had an effect on me. Behind closed doors was different and you had to try and create your own atmosphere which was very hard to do.”
Due to their financial situation, Bath City are among a group of National League South clubs which took the decision to stop playing games in the 2020/21 season before the National League board officially cut the season short. Consequently, The Romans have been fined £4,000 (£2,000 per match).
Gill said: “We couldn’t afford to carry on so we made the dead sensible decision to stop.
“As much as I can say is we’ve appealed it.”
There is yet reason for The Stripes to be hopeful though. In the club’s recent “Bounce Back Appeal” Crowdfunder, the initial target of £25,000 was absolutely smashed as funds raised currently stand at £42,819.
The government’s roadmap has given more clarity to clubs in terms of welcoming back spectators which means City have been able to plan for the future.
Gill is very enthused about this and said: “Pre-season is already planned.
“There’s nothing like walking out the tunnel in Twerton Park and seeing all the fans over on the popular side.
“They (the fans) are one in a million.”
Gill is aware that “fans are desperate to come back and watch games” and that dream all football fans have could well come true by pre-season and heading into the 2021/22 season as a world freer of restrictions edges ever closer.
That moment will be significant for the players too. As described by Watkins: “The buzz you get when you walk out to a full Twerton is something which can’t easily be replicated.”