Over recent weeks, we have remained largely silent. That silence has not been without reason. The last few weeks, and the build-up to the new season, have been among the most challenging this club has faced in the last five years.
Rising costs across almost every aspect of the game, the increasing expectation that clubs carry five imports to remain competitive, escalating player costs, and the loss of key sponsorship partners are just some of the challenges we continue to face. While speculation has inevitably grown during this period, our priority has been to focus on finding solutions.
Whatever we do must be both affordable and sustainable. At the same time, we remain committed to icing two competitive teams within their respective leagues and giving both the best possible opportunity to succeed.
We recognise what Telford Tigers represents. We are not an arena club with 2,500 seats or unlimited resources. We have always punched above our weight, and we continue to do so because of the incredible support of our fans, sponsors and partners, together with the dedication and commitment of our volunteers.
Over the past several weeks, a number of significant challenges have demanded our complete attention. Behind the scenes, the club, key sponsors and Telford & Wrekin Council have worked tirelessly alongside us to overcome those challenges and secure the club’s immediate future. We are incredibly grateful for their commitment and support.
We also wanted to address the speculation and rumours directly. This statement is intended to provide reassurance that the Telford Tigers are here, we will ice two teams this season, and we remain fully committed to competing at the highest level possible within a sustainable framework.
That does not mean the wider challenges facing the sport have disappeared. The economic climate, rising operating costs and an evolving league landscape remain realities that we, like many clubs, must continue to navigate. Our work does not stop here. Throughout the coming season, we will continue strengthening the club’s foundations to ensure we are in the best possible position for the future.
Finally, we would like to place on record our sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed their time, expertise and resources over the past six weeks. We also thank our supporters for their patience and understanding while we worked through these issues behind the scenes.
Now, our focus turns to the season ahead. Together, we move forward.