Stafford Town Football club in fight to get cash as sponsor drops out

Club chairman Gordon Evans said they had lost out on £55,000 towards the project.

He said: "It is unfortunate this has happened. I can't reveal who it was that dropped out, but they chose another project to support. But this has left us without the money."

But bosses today vowed to fight for extra funding. It was initially hoped all the money would have been raised by the end of February but this has thrown a spanner in the works. Town are now looking at other sources for the cash.

Mr Evans said: "We will preserver with this and get the funding. But it may mean that we are not ready for this year. But we are this week having meetings with other bodies to try and get the money another way. We will know more next week."

The expansion plans include new turnstiles and a ticket office at the Evans Park ground and the clubhouse extended and spruced up. The club, along with Staffordshire Environmental Fund, has raised £60,000 and other donors have given the rest, meaning they now have £185,000.

However, Mr Evans said today they were not giving up. "If we don't get the money this year then we will carry on saving and try and do it next year. If we do get the funding in time, work will start this June and be ready by the end of August, beginning of September," he said.

Mr Evans said it needed the upgrade so the club was able to 'rise to the next level' and secure its future. He said the club was part of the community and bosses wanted to make it the place to be for functions.

Currently there are more than 300 children and adults who use the club, along with 100 volunteers. If anyone is able to help call Mr Evans on 01889 882725