Sport
Brixton target return next season
Robert Silverman is hopeful Brixton Old Boys will return to the MGBSFL next season after they were forced to fold due to a shortage of players.
January 12, 2017 11:04
Robert Silverman is hopeful Brixton Old Boys will return to the MGBSFL next season after they were forced to fold due to a shortage of players.
January 12, 2017 11:04Just days after losing FC Team B, the MGBSFL suffered it’s second loss following Brixton’s demise, leaving the league with 31 teams.
Silverman confirmed he and club President Harold Baum “were left with little option but to withdraw the team for the remainder of the season”.
Formed in 1955, Mr Silverman expressed disappointment that the club “failed to complete a season for the first time”.
Silverman described Brixton as “one of the most successful teams in the history of the MGBSFL” - winning the Premier Division on eight occasions, the Cyril Anekstein Cup nine times and several other competitions.
He said: “In recent years attitudes have changed. Fewer and fewer players were willing or able to commit to playing on a regular basis.
“Furthermore, it became increasingly difficult to collect funds from the players and consequently there has been a significant cash shortfall.
“On an optimistic note, our intention is to rejoin the league next season, providing, of course, we are able to assemble a complete squad of dedicated players.
“The Club would like to thank the MGBSFL management committee for their support through a difficult period.”
Last week we reported FC Team chairman Mitch Young expressed his concern at “a distinct lack of interest to playing 11-a-side football”. But MGBSFL chairman David Wolff, 72, insists “it is not all doom and gloom”.
“I’m always sorry when we lose a club,” he said, “and it’s obviously very sad to see Brixton go. If we were down to just a handful of teams I’d be concerned, but I’m not worried.”
Wolff, 72, expressed frustration that the “individuals who made suggestions about how the league could attract new players and teams at an EGM last summer have not done a thing”.
He said: “I’m not a youngster anymore and do not have the contacts to bring in new faces.
“I am concerned there are not enough passionate people involved anymore. I cannot go around knocking on people’s doors telling them to play football.
“I will continue as chairman for as long as I can but I cannot go on forever.”
