Bridlington Town start search for new owner
Pete Smurthwaite has put Bridlington Town up for sale after 20 years of ownership
- Published
The owner of Bridlington Town AFC has put the club up for sale after 20 years in charge.
Pete Smurthwaite, took over in 2004, with the club facing more than £130,000 of debt.
The 74 year old has told BBC Radio Humberside that he wants to spend more time with his family and is "losing the energy" to run the team.
The team, known as the Seasiders, currently play in the Northern Premier League East Division which is the eighth tier of English football.
Mr Smurthwaite said: "I'm losing the energy to run a club at this level - it's quite a high standard and it's just incredible how much work goes into it.
"For the first time, I'm looking after myself, I'm not getting younger and I'm ready for a change," he added.
No debt
The chairman also described the financial situation at the club as "good" after clearing the debts he inherited when he took over.
And he came up with some interesting ways to save money: "Driving the team minibus helped us quite a bit because we weren't paying for coaches and the craic with the lads was fantastic."
Prospective buyers for the club will take on the running of the football team as well as the leasehold of the 2,800 capacity Queensgate stadium.
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