Crisis-hit Willenhall Town need £2,000
A campaign has been launched to try and save a historic Black Country football club from going bust – with fans as far afield as California giving their support.
Willenhall Town Football Club could fold if bosses do not find £2,000 by the end of the season to pay for its running costs.
In a last-ditch attempt to keep it alive, an online fundraising campaign on the GoFundMe website has been launched – where fans from as far as California have pledged money to save the 62-year-old club.
The West Midlands (Regional) League Premier Division side has a shortfall of £2,000 after its main sponsor pulled out after 15 years. So far, a total of £710 has been raised.
Simon Hall, who has been chair of Willenhall Town for five years after originally coming in to help on the turnstiles is urging people to fall back in love with the club.
He said: "As a non-league football team most teams will struggle for income. Sometimes clubs are fortunate and can find a sponsor who will sponsor everything.
"We get two or three other local businesses or individuals – this year was the first year where our main sponsor for 15 years told us they wouldn't be backing us.
"In the last 24 days its raised nearly half of what we're trying, which is a positive step. We've put an overall target of £5,000 and the rest is just there to help us next season.
"There's always uncertainty at this level – we can't guarantee attendances or income from one season to the next – but we've made fantastic progress over the course of the last five years and it would be a shame if the club had to fold."
Mr Hall wants people to donate money to save the club and to let people know that it is still 'alive and kicking'.
"It's one issue with the money but we want to get people back interested with the club," he said. "Some people think we went under and stopped playing years ago, that's not the case and we're still playing now but based at Bilston.
"We want people to fall back in love with the club. But my fear in the immediate future is if we can't generate the income then the future looks pretty grim."
In May 2009 the Club's Noose Lane ground was put up for sale and sold in time for the Season 2010/11. They are now based at Bilston Town FC.
Call 07901 560 691 to sponsor the Lockmen. To donate go to www.gofundme.com/5dvnequ4
