Welcome back to another TTTONLF meets, we are sitting down with someone who has recently come into their role at a new club, a club which I myself volunteer my time at – Nuneaton Town.

One thing we all know is that for most clubs within Non-League money is in short supply and the ability to get hold of vital sponsorship deals is so key to not only a clubs ability to thrive but also merely survive.

With that in mind, I sit down and ask Lee what his mission is coming into the role and what some of his own persoanl motivations are to succeed.

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Q) What does non league football mean to you?

Non-league football has been a huge part of my life for the past three years—it’s been 24/7, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. I’ve always been a fan of non-league games, especially when Coventry City were playing away.

Q) What is your first memory of football ?

Coventry City playing their home games at Highfield Road in the 1980s. Big Cyrille Regis upfront was my favourite player at the time. He was a big old fashioned centre forward.

Q) You were a volunteer at Coventry United for 3 years, how was that and what jobs did you carry out?

I began as a matchday volunteer to support my old school friend, John Goodman, who was the owner of the club. This eventually led to me becoming a director and securing a place on the board, before serving as vice chairman in my final year.

Q) How important are volunteers for non league clubs?

I’ve always said volunteers play a huge part in match days and helping out local non league clubs. Without them home games would be impossible to run. They all deserve a massive pat on the back for the time they give.

Q) You have recently joined Nuneaton Town as their commercial manager, what attracted you to volunteer for this role?

As soon as I saw the commercial job advertised, I knew I had to go for it. Even though they had to start over at step 6, they’re still a big name in non-league football and always will be.

Q) What does the role actually entail for you?

Since the club doesn’t own its own ground, we need to explore other ways to generate revenue. We have some exciting new packages available for next season. My main focus will be building partnerships with both new and existing sponsors while ensuring we retain our current supporters.

Q) Are you looking forward to getting stuck in what is a Phoenix club looking likely at gaining promotion in their first attempt?

I’ve only been at the club for a few weeks, but the potential for where the club can go is huge. The fan base is incredible for a step 6 team. I was amazed at how many supporters travel to away games and attend the fans’ forum.

Q) Football clubs are expensive to run and maintain, how much pressure does this put on you knowing this?

The role of a commercial manager at any club always comes with pressure. Football is my life, so I’m doing something I love and am truly passionate about. I’ll give it my all and work as hard as I can to make it a success.

Q) What is your 5 year plan for Nuneaton town?

I believe Nuneaton Town’s 5-year plan is to climb the non-league pyramid and secure a permanent home once again. A big shout-out to Bedworth United, who have been amazing for the club this season.

Q) Recently you launched a 100 team raffle whereby people can buy a team for £10 and get entered into a draw to win not only a cash prize but also an opporunity to a VIP champion experience when the team get presented with the league title, is it ideas like this that are needed to generate as much revenue as possible for the club?

I believe the Champions Day fan experience is a small gesture of thanks to our supporters for their incredible support this season. Their fantastic turnout has been brilliant to see, and the event also helps raise funds for Return to Nuneaton.

Q) In your opinion what is the best club x sponsor combination in the history of football shirts?

Im loving the Ipswich Town FC’s kit and the Ed Sheeran sponsorship, It’s brilliant that he’s a supporter and that his Mathematics Tour is the main sponsor. What a fantastic way to advertise his tour and give Ipswich a huge boost in exposure thanks to him being famous.

Q) Nuneaton Town are a club who have made transparency absolutely key in everything it does going forward, how much do you think this quality is key in gaining respect and also new business through the door?

Providing fans with regular financial updates is a brilliant move. Transparency like this is rare in football, as clubs typically keep these matters confidential. It’s really good for supporters to understand the club’s financial situation and how the club funds are used.

Q) If you could sign any non-league player to play for Nuneaton town, who would you choose and why?

Finding a quality striker in non-league is always hard to find. If I had my pick, I’d definitely try to grab Dan Creaney from our neighbours Tamworth, get Matty Stenson back to Nuneaton, or sign local Coventry lad Riley O’Sullivan from Harborough Town FC.

Q) Finally, what is one thing you like to see change about non league football and what is one thing you would never want to change?

I’d like to see more money from the Premier League directed towards non-league clubs. It’s painful to see some non-league teams fold so easily. Many clubs rely on a single person to fund them, which puts immense pressure on the owner. Non-league is great for what it is, and I hope clubs can keep prices as low as possible for as long as they can. It’s fantastic to see non-league clubs bringing the whole community together, especially on match days.

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Thanks to Lee for giving up his time to be quizzed so early on into his role by me. Coming into the role of this club is both exciting and challenging as the club have recently won promotion as champions at the first time of asking, the focus will be to continue that form into next seasons plans and in order for that to happen the club constantly need to be moving forward.

I think it is clear however that yet again Nuneaton Town have found someone who has their heart in the right place and I see nothing but success with what Lee is setting out to achieve for the club.

I wish him all the best.

Until next time!

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Parks to Pitches (2nd edition) – a dedicated Non-league magazine brought to you by Through the Turnstile of Non-League Football! 

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