Croydon Athletic supporters appeal to football fans

9:55am Thursday 2nd September 2010

By Graham Moody

Rams Army, a supporters' club of Croydon Athletic, has launched an appeal to football fans everywhere to turn out and support its beleaguered club this Saturday.

The Rams, who face Concord Rangers in the Ryman League Premier Division at the KT Stadium in Thornton Heath, have faced a week of uncertainty after allegations of money laundering made against owner Mazhar Majeed.

With Customs & Excise currently scrutinising the club's accounts, Rams Army want people to turn out in force on Saturday in an effort to help save them.

"It is a way in which people who love football can show that the game is not about owners or directors," said chairman Paul Smith.

“All supporters and those associated with the club have been shocked and horrified by the stories that were contained in the media last weekend.

“Fellow supporters know the pain and anguish when their team has a sword hanging over its head and we believe that now is the time to show solidarity.

"A football club is part of the local community and must not be allowed to die."

Any action against the club could also harm its successful football academy for teenagers between 16 and 19, a juniors section with teams from U8s to U18s and a ladies team which was new this season.

Smith added: "The people who are hurt by this sort of thing are the supporters who pay their money through the turnstiles week in and week out; local kids who play in the youth and junior teams and the volunteers who give up their time freely to help run the football club they love.

"There are no Premiership of Championship games this weekend and there is already a promotion arranged for reduced entry for those who hold season tickets for teams in these divisions.

"That was before the revelations and now the supporters club would like a real show of solidarity from football supporters in general who know the pain that Rams supporters are suffering.

"Come along on Saturday, where something maroon, and demonstrate your support for a football club that is so much more important than any one individual."