Wivenhoe Town supporters were last night told at an emergency general meeting that the next few weeks will determine weather the club 'survives or fades away'.
Stuart Watson
Wivenhoe Town supporters were last night told at an emergency general meeting that the next few weeks will determine whether the club 'survives or fades away'.
A crowd of over 100 - which included prominent local councillors and business people - converged on the club's Broad Lane base to hear the full severity of the club's situation.
The north Essex club currently owe around £30,000 in unpaid player wages for the season so far - and fans have been warned that, should players honour their contracts, the club could be staring at a debt of over £100,000 come the end of the current campaign.
The scenario has come about following a disagreement over finances with former manager Richard Carter, who was sacked by the club less than two weeks ago.
The Ridgeons League club have confirmed that top level figures in the Football Association, as well as the police, are looking into the events which have led to the current situation.
In the meantime a special organisation - known as Save Wivenhoe Town - has been set up to deal with things.
Spokesperson Nick Murphy-Whymark said “I've sat down with a few of the players in the last few days and I think they have realised that the golden goose is not going to lay its eggs. A number of them have agreed to waive their contracts, but if one of them does decide to sit on their contract then the club could go.
“We are in the last stages of survival but we are not dead yet.”
Manager Wayne Ward admitted that most first team players are likely to play their final game for the club in the coming weeks and that he would be turning to the club's youth players to fill their shoes.
Wivenhoe Town current sit third place in the Ridgeons League Premier Division and still remain in a number of cup competitions, including the FA Vase.
Murphy Wymark added “If we want this club to survive, then this needs to be not just about the football club but about the local community.”
Attendees of the EGM were sent away with a list of volunteer roles the club is looking to fill.
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