Cris Bowden on life as Hungerford Town chairman, their ‘false position’ and Bulpit Lane upgrades
Hungerford Town chairman Cris Bowden has revealed plans for upgrades to Bulpit Lane in 2025, while reflecting on a challenging first half of the season.
The Crusaders have had a frustrating campaign so far, finding themselves near the bottom of the Southern League Premier Division South.
New arrivals over the festive period have coincided with improved results, with Danny Robinson’s squad appearing to be turning a corner.
“Yeah, it has been a challenge, no doubt,” he said.
“Trying to find that goalscorer has been a constant challenge all season.
“I’m always a very positive person, I feel we’re in a bit of a false position.
“We haven't been battered by anybody.
“Now we have four strikers who are all offering us something, with one special player in Jose Marquez, on loan from Forest Green.
“It’s tough looking at the table, but it was just a matter of time before it clicked.
“There’s not many points between clubs up to eighth or ninth… hopefully we’ve turned a corner.”
Bowden inherited the role from Alan O’Donohue, when the former stepped down in March last year.
A Hungerford fan first and foremost, life as chairman has been an eye opening experience so far.
“It’s a constant battle, and it has been for years at Hungerford,” he explained.
“I’ve certainly enjoyed aspects of it!
“It’s been an eye opening experience, that’s for sure.
“As a fan, you don’t realise what goes into it, it's a 24 hour job.
“But it’s knowing the effort that goes into it, knowing you can give a great feeling to people.
“That makes you feel good.
“But its a totally different experience for me now, you can’t watch games as a supporter anymore.
“I definitely enjoy it, but it is stressful!”
Both Bowden and Robinson have been clear this season that Hungerford lack the finances to compete with the division’s larger clubs.
“We’re punching in this league, we’re probably the smallest town in it,” he said.
“We don’t have someone pumping in money, so every bit that we get is either through gate receipts, kind donations, or events that we can put on.
“It’s difficult raising the funds to compete at the level we want to.
“The financial climate is making it harder. People have got limited resources.”
Bowden outlined plans to enhance Hungerford’s Bulpit Lane ground this year, in an aim to improve the club’s long term position.
“We’re constantly trying to improve the ground,” Bowden said.
“Through hard work from volunteers, grants that we can get.
“We’ve now got a new disabled stand being built in the summer.
“We’ve opened up our outside bar, which has been a great success.
“And we’ll refurbish the stand behind the goal.
“In the summer all of the seats and flooring will be taken out, it’ll be totally refurbished.
“I don’t have the finances to pump in, but what I can offer is time and effort, attaining grants to make the matchday experience better, leaving a legacy on the infrastructure side.”
Bowden explained how local groups and businesses can get involved with Hungerford, as they look to build back to being a promotion contending side.
“We’ve got plenty of sponsorship opportunities up at the club,” he said.
“If anybody wants to get involved, please reach out to us.
“Not only will it help them advertise their business, but it helps a local club which is trying to connect with its community and be successful at the same time.”
