RHYL Football Club is facing an uncertain future due to lack of income following the suspension of domestic fixtures.

The Lilywhites released a worrying statement on Wednesday evening regarding their plight, which outlined the severity of their plight amid the coronavirus pandemic.

With no match day revenue incoming for the foreseeable future and the prospect of not leasing their pitch during May, the club’s debts are set to rise significantly with bills and ground rent causing major concern.

The problem regarding the Lilies’ ground was shared with supporters at an open meeting in December, but talks to possibly purchase the venue from an unnamed owner have been met with little response so far.

Chairman Paul Higginson, said: “Following our openness and honesty in December, Adam (Roche) and myself wanted to continue being completely transparent as this is arguably the bleakest situation the club has been in for over 25 years.

“Without significant external investment or clarity on whether the national emergency funding may assist sports clubs during this unprecedented period the ability for Rhyl Football Club to resume playing duties is now seriously under threat.

“This is a situation which I’m sure many other clubs are facing. However, the nature of the ground ownership for Rhyl FC means that our problems are multiplied.”

Running costs at Rhyl FC are £5,000 a month and a large portion of this is rent on the Educate Group Stadium, which has been home for the club since 1901.

The owner has been reluctant to “commit to meaningful talks” after an offer above market value for the site was made by Rhyl FC, who are now seeking financial assistance from outside in order to secure its long-term future.

Higginson praised the supporter response to the need for assistance since the turn of the year, but with social distancing measures now in force this will no longer be possible for a significant period.

“Since our December open evening the response from the supporters and local community has been magnificent with fundraising events being held and individuals coming forward to help the club with maintenance tasks,” he added.

“However, the current advice regarding gatherings and social distancing means that these types of fundraising events together with other ground related options now removed from the club leaves a bleak future ahead.

“The rent for the ground remains the single largest cost for the Club, the payment we make is well above market rent and this places a handicap on the club. With the lease nearing its end, being unable to access ground related grants and the current financial difficulties, means that the club’s options are now extremely limited.

“Without clarity on external financial support for sports clubs or support from an investor, the only option may be to unfortunately call time on Rhyl Football Club.

“If the current club cannot continue and a new club is formed, then I hope that Belle Vue is retained as the centre of football for all ages in Rhyl and its community. The sporting covenants have preserved football at Belle Vue since the turn of the last century and raising funds to purchase the ongoing running of the club would be more likely to succeed if we had the option of purchasing the ground - that decision of course is in the hands of the current owner of the ground."