Rushall chairman says club has 'financial hole' that will make National league North survival difficult

In a statement released today (February 14), Allen said he felt he needed to issue a "dose of reality" to supporters.

He said Rushall face a "scramble to survive" at step two non-league football with a "financial hole that becomes harder to fill".

The Pics sit 23rd in the National League North standings ahead of a trip to leaders Chester on Saturday.

New boss and former Albion hero Richard Sneekes temporarily led Rushall out of the drop zone after four vital wins including a memorable 2-1 win over Scunthorpe United. 

But, two defeats in a row to Buxton and fellow strugglers Marine have plunged Rushall back into danger and left them two points from safety with 14 league games remaining this season. 

Addressing supporters, the club's chairman of more than 28 years, John Allen said Rushall needs more businesses to get involved and invest in the club. 

He said: "I feel that it’s the right time for a dose of reality and that our finances and considerable goodwill will not be enough for Rushall Olympic to compete, survive and progress at our current level in the National League North.  

"Our league is a fantastic place to be, way above the natural fit of our vibrant village community football club, and achieving the opportunity to play at step two against lots of big city and town clubs, many operating on a full-time and hybrid basis with a significant number of former football league clubs with substantial resources and fan bases is a true privilege.

"We have leant upon sponsors and friends through our family business for a long time and to keep doing that becomes more and more difficult and we thank them all for their unequivocal support.

"Realistically, we need more businesses and more talented local people who want to come and enjoy the ride at our wonderful club.  We need to keep widening the circle of people who engage with our club to help bring the vital additional investment that our club needs.  

"We have a huge mountain to climb to stay in the Vanarama National League North and we have made many new friends at the level, which we have really relished so far.  

"In our present position, alongside rapidly rising fixed costs, we will always be trying to scramble to survive at step two with a financial hole that becomes harder to fill."