THE new Kendal Town FC chairman has said the club wants to 'start afresh' and 'move forward' with the support of the community.

George Gudgeon, 43, insisted that his priority is the Mintcakes' first team as well as nurturing young, local talent.

After a tumultuous few weeks that have seen an overhaul of squad players, managers and back room staff, as well as a failed investment bid by a consortium, Mr Gudgeon is urging supporters to come back on side.

Speaking at a meeting in The Gazette offices, he said: "It's a community club and everybody in the town is part of that community and we have to work together.

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"We desperately need to get some games on and receive the income from that and we need fans and community engagement."

Mr Gudgeon, who was born in Kendal and attended Kirkbie Kendal School as well as Kendal College, said the circumstances that led up to him becoming chairman were 'very unexpected' and stopped short of giving a specific date as to when his 'business plan' for the future of the club would be released to members and fans.

He said: "It's a live document that's being worked on and we are not going to put a business plan together for a football club in two or three weeks. There's a lot of things that could be done better at the club, in my eyes.

"We have to look at cutting costs and we've got to build relationships with organisations like Kirkbie Kendal School, Kendal College and local businesses."

Mr Gudgeon also declined to reveal who the current members of the management committee were at this stage.

Kendal Town's budget was reduced in late November 2015 because, according to Mr Gudgeon, 'it was apparent that we had been paying players far too much'.

He said: "We were simply operating beyond our means. The budget for playing staff had to be reined-in immediately otherwise we would have run out of cash and the debt passed on to members.'

However, he went on to say that 'there is no substantial debt' and 'the finances and record keeping were up to date with a reasonable cash balance in the bank'.

After Kendal's 3-2 loss away at Mossley AFC on Saturday, January 23, questions were raised by fans as to why the club only fielded three out of a possible five substitutes.

Mr Gudgeon, who stated that there are currently 26 players registered to represent the Mintcakes, said: "You can only use three substitutes in a match so we could take some youth players out of local football but it's a balancing act. Are these young lads better getting a game for their local team and keeping fit or should they sit on the bench? It's a management decision. We are prioritising the first team and working with community clubs."

Responding to fears over the club's future within the Evo-Stik First Division North, Mr Gudgeon said: "I don't think it's beneficial for anybody if we get relegated. We're always trying to do the best we can and get to the level we want."

The Gazette previously reported on the controversy surrounding the expulsion of three long-standing club members, specifically relating to their lack of a right to appeal on the matter.

Mr Gudgeon said it was possible the club would reform its constitution, saying: "I feel sorry for them because that's the way the constitution is but we've got to look at moving forward and moving with the times. Members and supporters will appreciate that any proposal to change the constitution of the club must follow due process."

Kendal Town FC's next match is at home against Witton Albion at the Pye Motors Stadium on Saturday, January 30.

Kick-off is at 3pm.