Appeal for stewards amid fears of match cancellation

BALLYMENA United this week issued an urgent appeal for stewards to carry out matchday duties.

Club officials fear that unless sufficient numbers of stewards are reached in order to meet minimum requirements, it could lead to a game having to be cancelled.

The recent redevelopment of the Showgrounds has brought the Warden Street venue up to top-of-the-range standards but it has also created a new difficulty.

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“Our situation is different to a lot of clubs in that the Showgrounds has so many different access points,” a club source told Times Sport.

“Health and Safety legislation now dictates that the minimum number of stewards in position on match days at the Showgrounds should be 15.

“That would be understandable enough for a well-attended match against someone like Linfield or Coleraine but what is really annoying is that the same demands are in place for matches against the likes of Newry or Dungannon who don’t bring large travelling supports.

“Unfortunately, as often seems to be the case when it comes to health and safety, the authorities see it as a black and white issue rather than applying common sense to particular circumstances or situations and they are flexing their muscles off the back of an amended safety certificate with the Warden Street stand again now operational.

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“There is a very real risk that our shortage of stewards could lead to a match being called off - that is not scaremongering.

“To hire stewards from a private security firm costs somewhere in the region of 45 per person plus VAT so by the time you add that up, and put it alongside officials’ expenses of more than 500, you’re looking at a pretty hefty outlay before you even think about paying players.

“The club is looking for volunteers to fulfil this role and anyone interested should contact any committee member at this Saturday’s match,” the source added.

CORPORATE DINNER

Meanwhile, seats are still available for Ballymena United's first corporate dinner of the season, prior to the home match against Linfield on Saturday, October 30.

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A total of 30 tables have already been sold for the event, which will be sponsored by Kerr Tyres.

Special Guest is Northern Ireland Sports Minister Nelson McCausland, while other top table guests include Jackie Fullerton and Liam Beckett.

Speaker is Colin Barkley.

The matchball sponsor for that game is the Progressive Building Society, Ballymena

Single seats are available at a cost of 40 per head - contact John Taggart on 07972578238.

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