Decision on crisis club Rhyl’s future will be made by April 5

Rhyl Football Club have confirmed that a decision will be made on its future by 5 pm on April 8.

Senior officials recently warned the Cymru North club is in serious danger of folding.

Already in financial difficulty, and still unable to resolve the long-running battle to gain ownership of its home ground with landlord David Butters, the suspension of domestic Welsh football through the escalation of the Coronavirus pandemic has further exacerbated the Lilywhites’ problems.

Chairman Paul Higginson said today: “With no games and no social gatherings possible the club has no means of raising the levels of income that are needed to meet the immediate overall costs of the club and the following season’s start-up costs.

“The status quo is no longer an option.

“The reaction from supporters is greatly appreciated by all at the club, particularly with support for the relaunch of the Supporters 200 Club and the seat sponsor initiative by the newly formed Rhyl Fans Association. Similarly, I want to thank all the club volunteers for their dedication throughout these difficult times.

“At this stage we don’t know when football will resume, and the scale of the problem will only increase. It would be irresponsible not to act. There will be many football clubs in difficulties and without support from Welsh football it will be difficult for many to survive.”

Higginson confirmed that if any investor was to seek to take over the club he would be more than willing to enter into serious negotiations.

“In the past, expressions of interest have been made, my role is to ensure that if there are new owners or investors they are the right people with the interests of Rhyl FC and it’s community at heart.

“If there is anybody willing to help the football club this is the time to step forward, email me at sponsorship@rhylfc.co.uk and hopefully a solution will emerge.

“The next two weeks for Rhyl Football Club are now our most critical in recent history and failure to resolve the ground ownership issue along with identifying the required investment will lead to the unthinkable and seeing the end of something that has been at the heart of the Rhyl community for over 100 years.

“This really has become a more serious issue than just the paying the rent.”