New Worksop Town vice-chairman Max Ross hails fundraising efforts as the world's fourth oldest club is saved

Ross, a long-time associate of new club owner and chairman Pete Whitehead, highlighted the extent to which people have contributed time, help or donations to save the world's fourth oldest football club from extinction.

Whitehead, lease owner of the football ground on Sandy Lane, had already paid off a substantial amount of the overall debts after he was approached by the club's life president Keith Illet when the worst was feared.

Now the club's fans and officials have responded by raising £30K to help settle the rest of the creditors following a public appeal at the start of February, which caught the gaze of the football community near and far.

Ross said the fundraising target set was done to "mobilise the entire club and some of the wider community".

"Pete’s first act was, in many ways, the easiest," said Ross. "It was to clear some of the most pressing debts which he did by donating cash which was supplemented by £15,000 raised in 2014 by the supporters’ trust.

"The target set by Pete was to raise £30,000 by the end of February. There were doubting faces around the committee table but he was confident that it could be achieved.

"The main thrust was the presidents’ campaign where donations of £100 or more would entitle individual fans to a place on a roll of honour to be placed for all to see in the clubhouse.

"This got off to a flying start and as donations naturally slowed, the next planned initiative was put in place. A crowdfunding page hosted by JustGiving was set up for fans and supporters to contribute smaller amounts and to reach out further into the local community and the wider football community.

"This also enabled some at the club to tap into their celebrity connections which they did to great effect and so the appeal grew and sparked off various, more modest, initiatives.

"Every single donation has value beyond the cash amount.

"We’ve had people turn up at the ground with cheques well above £1,000 and significant amounts of cash. Whereas every donation was faithfully logged the wonderful stories that came with them could not be, as they represented private memories and the donors insisted on anonymity.

"The stories were mainly of the past pleasure either they or a relative has experienced watching their beloved club.

"At the other end of the spectrum we’ve had many small amounts often with apologetic messages wishing they could spare more. It was a privilege to thank everyone with a personal message whether the donation was £1 or £1,000.

"Then there were the celebrities. They must be under pressure most of the time to donate to the various appeals and charities but a few, on this occasion, chose us as beneficiaries.

"What about the initiatives? From schools obtaining sponsorships for a non-uniform day to pub quizzes and sponsored bike rides such as Pete’s grandson Oliver’s heroic 80 cycle laps of the pitch at a cold, wet, windy Sandy Lane - 18.61 miles!

"Then there are our good friends in Norway who have organised the production and sale both here and in their hometown of a celebratory scarf with profits going to the appeal.

"Finally, there are those who may well have donated but have also put their valuable time and effort in organising, encouraging, broadcasting, accounting, recording and publicising, tweeting, sharing."

Now, with the outstanding debts cleared, Ross said the hard work continues to ensure Worksop Town's Northern Premier League status is secured as well as a sustainable future for the club."The target has been achieved. The main danger now is that we relax. So far, we have only won one battle.

"Not satisfied with clearing debts, Pete’s holistic approach now focuses on how to complete the season competitively, commence the next season retaining the club's league status and provide a stable and sustainable future for the club," he added.