Whitehaven’s board of directors have reacted to a swathe of stories that have been circulating for the past week about more financial problems at the club.
There were even suggestions last week that the players would pull out of the Ike Southward Memorial Trophy game because they hadn’t been paid.
But that was not the case as the game went ahead as scheduled although Haven were beaten 36-28.
Now the board have issued a statement in which they explain the financial situation and quash some of the rumours that have been going around the West Cumbrian rugby fraternity.
The statement says: “Where do we start? There has been a lot of speculation and rumours from our fans due to a post on Rugby League daily and everything else you can possibly think of from a well-wisher who enlightened us on how to run a club.
“Can we first put the Jake Maizen rumour to bed as he isn’t going anywhere. Various clubs contact us on a weekly basis to see if players are available, Jake being but one.
“This will always happen with high calibre players and we are fortunate to have a lot this year. Our team are all under contract and will remain at Whitehaven for the duration of their contracts.
“The club are owed money far in excess of the money we owe to aeven players for their February contract and we have spoken to them collectively about the reason for this cash flow problem.
“They will be paid as and when our creditors clear their invoices. All other monies ie fuel expense, community pay, game money and January’s contracts have been paid in full.
“This has all been achieved with only £8,000 generated by rugby. The rest has been generated from running the club as a business on other revenue streams by dedicated volunteers and directors.
“The club costs thousands to run even when we are not playing rugby and we have met all these financial obligations.
“On top of the above we have managed to get the well-documented PAYE arrears from 2021-2023 season down from £59,000 June 23 to £8,000 this week.
“The bulk of this payment has been closed season from newly generated revenue streams including assistance from away days and the VPs. We are grateful for their assistance.
“We have always promoted an open door policy and invited you to call for a chat any time you feel the need. In return we would ask everyone who loves the club to think about the feelings of our sponsors and the hard working volunteers.
“Some have shown how vulnerable they are and shed tears over recent posts regarding their efforts.
“This club is in a good position to start the season and it’s only through creditors not paying that has us in this position. If you feel after reading this, that we are not being truthful then contact us direct.”
Whitehaven start the new Championship season a week on Sunday at home to Swinton Lions.
