Braintree Town chairman Lee Harding has issued a lengthy statement addressing the club's managerial situation, outstanding payments worth hundreds of thousands of pounds and ongoing discussions with potential investors.
The update, to be published in the tonight's matchday programme ahead of their National League South fixture against Dagenham & Redbridge, has prompted a largely negative response from supporters, many of whom believe the club's current problems are not being properly addressed.
Harding began by reflecting on Saturday's disappointing performance at Farnham Town, describing it as a "horror show" and admitting he had not expected such a display. He also revealed that manager Steve Pitt had told him before the match that he was giving himself four games to turn the club's season around.
Harding defended the manager's efforts, pointing to his work in helping Braintree secure their status in 2025 and the financial difficulties he had faced since taking charge. The chairman also claimed that Braintree are still owed hundreds of thousands of pounds through payments involving The FA, UEFA and FIFA.
According to Harding, the outstanding money includes payments relating to players representing their countries, transfer sell-on fees and FIFA's club benefits programme. He said some funds promised for July might not arrive until the new year.
The statement also addressed the possibility of new investment and a change of ownership.
Harding confirmed that he and vice-chairman Vic Dixon have spoken with several interested parties and remain prepared to step aside when they believe suitable successors have been found.
However, he expressed concern that some potential investors appeared more interested in the club's land and other assets than its footballing future. Harding also defended the current board's record, highlighting the four promotions that helped Braintree establish themselves at the top level of non-league football and reach the National League play-offs in 2016.
He suggested that some supporters had forgotten those achievements amid the club's current struggles.
Supporters hit back
The statement has not gone down well with sections of the Braintree support, with fans taking to social media to question the chairman's comments and the direction of the club.
Supporter Daniel Turner argued that past achievements should not distract from the current situation.