CRISIS-ridden Accrington Cricket Club are to hold emergency talks with members to tackle a £10,000 revenue black hole that could force them into liquidation by the end of June.
The historic Thorneyholme Road outfit, currently rooted to the bottom of the Lancashire League without a win all season, have called an Extraordinary General Meeting to discuss the club's future on Monday 4 June.
Accrington CC's trustees have warned that the club, which was formed in 1846, could be doomed within weeks.
They have issued a plea for help from local businesses, benefactors and other organisations, while "shocked" players and members are having to put together fund-raising plans.
Club president Peter Barratt has written to members citing several factors, including a spate of incidents of vandalism, the recent move of Accrington Rugby Club, and the decline in the club's on-field fortunes over two decades.
The extensive refurbishment of the clubhouse has failed to deliver expected turnover on the social club side, and the club now faces repayments on a brewery loan.
Mr Barratt said: "On the field we are doing terribly this year. We have got a young side with a lot of injuries. Having said that, that's not the reason. This is a problem that's not been resolved over the past few years. It would be desperately sad if we were forced to close. That's why I wish to make it known that these clubs don't continue to run on their own. We have good supporters - they're very good people and they support us through thick and thin."
Mr Barratt made it clear that former star players - who include Shane Warne and New Zealand Test ace Nathan Astle - will be made aware of the club's plight.
He said: "Unfortunately we haven't got any benefactors but we're hoping that this might jog one or two consciences. I am very hopeful and we are trying our very best to see whether we can get through this period. I think we will be able to complete the season but it could mean some other alterations within the club to get to that."
The negotiations could also affect the deal of Nishit Shetty, whose pro contract is the single biggest item of expenditure on the club's books.
First XI captain Matt Wilson said: "We are always short of cash in the club, but I don't think anybody realised it was this bad."
For offers of help please contact Peter Barratt on 234666 or attend the EGM at the club, starting at 7.45pm.
