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Good times at the Beveree keeping money men happy
Hampton & Richmond director Steve McPherson is confident a step up to Blue Square Premier would be worth at least a quarter of a million pounds to the club in added revenue.
The Beavers - as the Times went to press last night - were preparing to face Eastbourne Borough in the Blue Square South play-off final after a 4-2 penalty shootout triumph over Fisher Athletic on Saturday.
The club's run to a third-place finish in the table has already swelled the coffers by 25 per cent, at the same time inducing a rush on season ticket sales for next season.
Average league gates, including the weekend's bumper semi-final attendance of 1,483, have rocketed from 412 to 642 since Boxing Day, for a total of 12,291 fans coming through the turnstiles during the campaign.
The cash influx this season, buoyed by a £20,000 windfall from an FA Cup run to the first-round proper, should mean Alan Devonshire's men are a force to be reckoned with next term, irrespective of which division they are in.
But McPherson has warned the club's money-spinning performance this season does not mean Hampton are in the big time yet.
"I would say promotion to the Blue Square Premier would add an extra £150,000-£200,000 in gate receipts alone, before you add television money and sponsorship revenue," he said.
"But, at the same time, moving up would mean yet more ground improvements, as well as the addition of some full-time admin staff, such as a club secretary, commercial manager and stadium manager.
"Our revenue has increased by 25 per cent and we have already sold 100 season tickets for next season, more than this time last year.
"People around here are sitting up and taking notice but, in terms of national coverage, we are still a small-town club and that is the way we like it.
"We have had a superb season, whatever happens.
"To finish third was way beyond anyone's expectations."
McPherson may need to use the swelled coffers to hang on to his star men next season.
"I would think one or two players may be tempted to move because they have proved they are capable at this level and could get better offers elsewhere," he said.
"Some are waiting until after the final to decide their future, but I think Alan is confident of keeping this squad together."
10:58am Friday 9th May 2008
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