DORCHESTER Town director Adam Robertson has called for an increase in CBS members if the club is to improve its fortunes on the field.

The Magpies became part of a Community Benefit Society (CBS) two years ago with the aim of allowing fans and the local community the chance to play a part in shaping the club’s future for the better.

The club offered a not-for-profit share in the club for £30 each, allowing those investing the chance to directly contribute to the club’s success on the pitch, something which Robertson says hasn’t been as successful as planned.

He said: “The first two years under the CBS has been disappointing in terms of the support we’ve had financially, We have just over 100 members altogether, and we were expecting nearer 300 from the start, so that’s what’s been underwhelming.”

Three hundred members contributing £30 each to the club would add £9,000 to the club’s budget each year, making a huge difference to the finances available to manager Craig Laird to improve his squad.

He said “It’s still a work in progress, but we were hoping it’d be going better than what it is because the CBS model that was put to us two years ago, just hasn’t happened.

Robertson added: “We want to give Craig the best chance to succeed so he can bring in the best players he can. It’s an entertainment business and the fans want to see the best possible players on the pitch.

“Our club should be competing in the top six in the league based on attendances, but membership numbers don’t represent that.

“The last two years we’ve ticked along financially while struggling on the pitch, and next year will be no different but if we want to improve and progress then we need more people to step forward.”

Although Robertson says that the financial situation of the club can be greatly improved with further investment, he is adamant that the club remains financially secure.

He said: “After the first two years under the CBS system we’re still debt free and any excess money has gone into the playing budget.

“We are also grateful for the Dorchester Lottery income and the people involved in running it.

“However based on last season’s finish we need to improve on the pitch and that’s only going to come through members providing funds, and attracting more members in the first place. We set up a “Boost the Budget” fund so that members can see contributions going directly into the playing budget, but not enough people are contributing at present to be competitive”.

“Last year there was a shortfall in income, partly due to the park and ride income, which was quite a lot so to combat that we had to cut costs which included playing costs and the rest has been made up by directors covering the shortfall, which last season totalled around £15,000.”

“We’re not against someone coming in to invest but if no-one’s out there then we have to make the best of what we’ve got, and that’s where we are.

“I’d rather that more income can be raised by the “Boost the Budget” campaign, or by selling more season tickets, and the more we sell, the better a chance we’ll have to do well on the pitch.

“For the club to progress then the community needs to be more involved with it.”

DTFC are again running a Patrons Draw with the first prize of first team shirt sponsorship, entry costs £250 plus VAT and all entrants will get a season ticket.

For anybody interest in contributing to the club as a member or by joining the Dorchester Lottery, please visit the club website on www.dorchestertownfc.co.uk or contact the club on 01305 262451.