Bridlington Town chairman Peter Smurthwaite
Peter Smurthwaite hopes Bridlington Town can put the events of Tuesday firmly behind them.
Volunteers walked into Queensgate in the morning to discover that there had been a break-in and that items had been stolen alongside the vandalism.
To complete their day, the iconic Bridlington Town banner was ripped down at the end of Scarborough Athletic’s Integro Doodson Cup tie with Whitby Town.
Mr Smurthwaite said: “The 10th November, 2015 will not go down as the best day we have ever had at this club. I was informed at 9.00am in the morning by our ground staff that we had suffered a break in at the stadium overnight.
“The cost of repairs and stolen items is in the region of £1000.00 for which we have an insurance excess that means it is not worth claiming for.
“I was watching the Hull United versus Bottesford game when I received a text at 9.45pm last night to say that Whitby Fans had ripped down the Bridlington Town Banner which features prominently behind our goal and the local police had to attend to prevent potential trouble from the people responsible at the Scarborough versus Whitby cup match.
“I am this morning awaiting quotations for the replacement of the banner which had featured so well on the “Class of 92” television programme shown on BBC last Thursday which had brought some real good positive publicity for our club.
“Ground control is the sole responsibility of Scarborough Athletic for all their games at Queensgate but obviously does reflect on us as a club.
“I have this morning received an apology from Scarborough for the damage and have also been contacted by Graham Manser, the Chairman of Whitby Town confirming they will pay for the replacement banner and I would also add there has been no previous history of problems between Bridlington and Whitby when we have played each other whilst I have been at the club.
“I understand the people responsible for this damage are banned from Whitby’s home games and is such a shame they were allowed into last night’s game.”
There is some positive news as Mr Smurthwaite has been contacted by individuals who want to fundraise to help fund the repair bills.
He added: “Joel Cash who is a member of a local band called “Capital Eye” who have offered to play a gig at our club free of charge to help raise money for the “break in” costs and a local company BKR Leaflet distribution have offered to do a free leaflet drop to advertise the gig.
“I really appreciate this response especially in view of the fact I have also had to pay £1800.00 last week to have further work carried out on the floodlights to pass the FA Floodlight Inspection and with attendances down on last season and the lack of Saturday home game fixtures money is tight at present.
“If anyone can offer any further financial support to cover our recent costs please contact the club through Dom Taylor on social media with your help or ideas.
“I will continue to do my best to support this well respected football club in recognition of all the other people connected with the club who work so hard behind the scenes to support myself.”