Transcript from an on air interview with Hampton & Richmond’s vice chairman Ben Hudson
HRBFC.LIVE – BEN HUDSON INTERVIEW 18/11/20
SEB WHITE CAUGHT UP WITH THE VICE CHAIRMAN BEN HUDSON AHEAD OF THE HEMEL HEMPSTEAD GAME
Undoubtedly one of the bigger moments for Hampton & Richmond in the last couple months was the club’s FA Cup game against Oldham
“The FA Cup run was wonderful for the club, and also sad to some level” said Hudson “It really hit home that the fans weren’t there when you have to turn up to an event like that. Previously we would have had close to 3500 here, enjoying the day together, celebrating, cheering and being that 12th man. To see the team run as close as they did and knowing we didn’t have fans there – could we have got a result if we did? I think we probably could have, so as a fan, it was a sad day”
“As the finance guy, it was a wonderful day! Fundamentally the ability to go on TV brings a bit of money into the club, the sponsorship opportunities that come with it and everything else around it becomes very helpful, so days like that are hugely beneficial”
Continuing down the line of finances, Ben was questioned on the importance of the National League funding via the National Lottery that the club has received.
“As a club we are very grateful that somethings been done and we’re very grateful that we’re classed as elite football. We’re very conscious that a lot of our fans will have had to stay at home for a long period of time now, so the players take real joy in being able to go out there and play thanks to our elite status. The money does make a huge difference. It brings a level of security and a level of comfort to the club. At the moment we’re being supported for a three month period and are due to receive more funding in the not too distant future”
“It doesn’t replace the fans being here though. It’s not just the money but everything else the supporters brings that really show at times like this”
To finish, Ben was asked what else fans can do during these times to help out the club
“Well firstly I want to say thank you, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. To anyone that has helped in any way, it’s not just about the financial side. I have such pride in our involvement with the food bank and such pride in the energy and time that comes from people. It was such an amazing gesture seeing fans not ask for their season ticket money back and be keen to back us and support us, it definitely doesn’t go unnoticed”
“Everything you do makes a difference. If you want to help out, maybe buy a little present for the family from the HRBFC club shop. If you want to go that little bit further, you can get involved in The Christmas Beaver Box Appeal. Things like this are what makes us really proud of the club and the fans”
