Whitehaven have issued a stark warning about the future of the club if it doesn’t get more support.
Whitehaven have posted a picture of locked gates at the Ortus Rec on it social media channels – saying it could be the reality without more numbers through the gates.
Only 451 people witnessed the first win of the season against Rochdale on Sunday but of those only 105 people paid full price.
Whitehaven said they were left with that number after 10 away directors, 25 away players, Under-16s, hospitality guests and season ticket holders were taken out.
They added that players’ friends and family each paid £10.
The statement from CEO Lee Butterworth said: “We usually make an average of £10,000 per home game which is still a long way off fully paying to run a team and the reason why we’ve planned in so many events.
“Last Sunday, after all the game day expenses were paid, we made £2,000 which doesn’t even pay for the players’ monthly insurance.
“I’ve spoke to a lot of people through the week and they said they stopped at home and listened on the radio because the weather was rubbish.
“Unfortunately we’ve been unlucky with the weather every home game. The Barrow game saw only 900 and that’s usually well over 1,000.
“Unfortunately for our fans we haven’t got loads of massive sponsors like a lot of teams and we haven’t got a sugar daddy that will just plop money into the club as a hobby.
“Everyone is working incredibly hard down at the club to keep the club going but we need everyone’s help so please try and get down to games.
“If you haven’t been down in a while please pop down and show us your support. We’ve listened to the fans.
“We’ve brought a new board of directors in with fresh ideas and working hard for the club.
“About 90% of our team are young Cumbrians and giving 100% every week after being thrust into a league well ahead of where we were aiming for at this stage of their development.
“We’ve now lost our head coach and doing it tough but two of our local Cumbrian assistant coaches have stepped up to lead us.
“We need a massive gate this weekend to get us back on track. It would be great to sell out the hospitality too.
“We still have all the sponsorships available main match, match ball and Champagne moment.
“Regardless of the weather if you are able bodied we need you down to watch the game. Please share and get down in numbers.”
Whitehaven are at home to Midlands Hurricanes, but it doesn’t help that neighbours Workington Town are at home on the same afternoon.
Town play the new Salford side and in the main the clubs have a distinct opposing fan base but there are rugby league supporters who like to watch both when they can.
