Sidley future cast into major doubt

Sidley Sports & Social Club, which the football club and cricket club are affiliated to, will cease trading tonight (Tuesday) it was announced during an extraordinary general meeting yesterday because of severe financial difficulties.

“I’m a bit shellshocked it’s happened so quickly,” said Dickie Day, chairman of Sidley Sports & Social Club and Sidley United Football Club. “It’s been going on for months and years, and all of a sudden within 24 hours I’m told that the doors are closing.”

The football club will be able to complete the current season as its few remaining matches are away from home, but the longer term future will be discussed at a meeting tonight. The football club has already committed to entering the FA Cup and FA Vase next term.

Sidley Cricket Club is due to begin its Sussex Cricket League Division Three (East) campaign on Saturday at home to Haywards Heath, although it is now doubtful whether the fixture will be able to go ahead.

“I feel desperately sorry for the cricket club because they’re having to run around and try to get a ground to play on,” added Day. “I would like to think it’s not going to be the end of the football club or the cricket club.”

See Friday’s Bexhill Observer for the full article.