The change in status has transpired predominantly due to issues experienced during the complex transition of our entire Academy operation from Hogwood Park to the new Bearwood Park facility. Its relocation had to be implemented in staggered phases and then, mid-transition process, the move was dramatically impacted by the global pandemic; at a time when youth football was brought to a sudden halt, our Academy operation was naturally restricted and – as it shared facilities with the first team – a cautious and sensible return to full capacity had to be implemented.
They seem to be blaming the transition and Covid, but Hogwood is long gone and covid restrictions have relaxed. It's like they are creating excuses that would have been valid 2 years ago and applying that for this audit and this seasons status.
There's clearly a bigger story here, my guess is that it's likely one of management incompetence.