Mr Harding has issued a frank update on the situation at Cressing Road, addressing manager Steve Pitt’s position, the club’s finances and discussions with potential new investors.

Writing in his programme notes ahead of Braintree’s home National League South fixture against Dagenham and Redbridge tonight, Mr Harding claimed the Iron were still waiting for significant sums connected with the FA, UEFA and FIFA.

Harding said those included payments relating to players representing their countries, transfer sell-on fees and FIFA’s club benefits programme following Tommy Smith’s involvement at last summer’s World Cup.

“Our club are still owed money, lots of it, hundreds of thousands of pounds, by The FA, UEFA and FIFA,” said Harding.

“Over two years ago we were promised payment by The FA for players’ salaries paid by our club when they were away playing international football in UEFA competitions.

“As well as that, we are still to receive hundreds of thousands of pounds from transfer sell-on fees and FIFA’s club benefits programme for Tommy Smith’s involvement in last summer’s World Cup, money that was promised to us in July, but we may now not see until the new year.”

📃 Read the latest statement and update from Chairman Lee Harding on our website regarding Steve Pitt, funds still owed to our club and potential investment https://t.co/LY03PZkSyS #IronArmy | Forged in 1898 https://t.co/AIfd6mbUjX

— Braintree Town FC (@braintreetownfc) October 27, 2026

Mr Harding said Braintree secretary Adrian Marston had been attempting to secure answers regarding the outstanding payments.

The Iron chairman also addressed the club’s recent poor run and revealed that he and Pitt had spoken before Saturday’s 6-0 defeat at Farnham Town .

“Prior to Saturday, Steve and I had a long chat and, being the straight-talking man I’ve come to know so well, he said to me that he would be giving himself four matches to turn our season around,” said Harding.

“I commend Steve for his honesty in our current situation and we saw more of that pragmatism after the game on Saturday.

“I believe Steve deserves better for his efforts.”

Statement - Braintree Town chairman Lee Harding

Mr Harding backed the work Pitt has done since replacing his predecessor in late 2024, saying the manager had “worked tirelessly” to help secure the club’s status in 2025.

He said Pitt’s attitude following last season’s relegation had earned him the opportunity to assemble his own squad this season, while claiming his preparations had sometimes been hindered by circumstances outside both his and the club’s control.

Mr Harding also responded to criticism from some supporters amid Braintree’s poor run, pointing to the four promotions the club have achieved and their spell in the top flight of non-league football.

He also provided a significant update on the longer-term future of the Iron, confirming he and vice-chairman Vic Dixon have spoken to several interested parties .

Mr Harding said he and Mr Dixon remained prepared to step aside when they believed there were suitable people to take the club forward.

“Vic and I have spoken with several interested parties,” he said.

“Vic and I are determined to protect the football club we’ve all been so proud to represent for a quarter of a century, while ensuring that nobody will be making a profit out of the club, just safeguarding the position of those involved and the club itself.”

However, Mr Harding sounded a note of caution about some of the interest they have received.

MATCHDAY! We host Dagenham and Redbridge this evening at The Cressing Road Stadium This match will be segregated so visiting supporters must use turnstiles 7&8 by following the path alongside the training pitch and enter up at The Quag End #IronArmy | Forged in 1898 https://t.co/SmhoXBybWB

— Braintree Town FC (@braintreetownfc) October 27, 2026

He claimed many of the parties he and Mr Dixon had spoken to appeared primarily interested in the assets, particularly the land, belonging to the company which runs Braintree Town, rather than the football operation.

“While our time running the club may be coming to a close, many of the interested parties that Vic and I have spoken with seem to be entirely focused on the assets, primarily the land, owned by the company that runs the club, while only displaying a passing interest in the football,” added Mr Harding.

“The adage of ‘be careful what you wish for, lest it come true’ comes to mind, but I hope the next 25 years can mirror the progress of the previous.”

The Gazette has contacted The FA, FIFA and UEFA for comment.