'Worksop Town players deserve a lot of credit,' says Pete Whitehead

Following the news of the club's crippling debts off-the-field, the Tigers won their next two league games against Chasetown and Belper Town.

And Whitehead, who will become the club's new chairman if fundraising targets are met, praised the way the staff have conducted themselves.

"I've never cut a budget in all my time working in football," he said.

"But the club has to come first.

"The club cannot afford to pay the players the same level at this stage.

"I've stepped in and said to Kyle [Jordan, manager] that we need to ask the players to support this cause and within 24 hours he had spoken to all the players.

"All credit must go to the players and over the last two games we've got back-to-back wins so the players need a pat on the back."

The club's fundraising has caught the gaze of high-profile football figures Peter Crouch, Jeff Stelling and former Tiger Chris Waddle in recent weeks.

While Whitehead's own grandson, eight-year-old Oliver, completed a sponsored cycle ride around the Sandy Lane pitch prior to the match against Newcastle Town on Wednesday evening.

"With the crowdfunding page, the president's fund, as well as the additional help of my grandson, we are steadily getting to the figure," he said.

"We've had contributions from all over the world - the United States, Canada, Australia - it's been unbelievable.

"Peter Crouch has supported us, Jeff Stelling too, everyone has been very good towards the cause.

"I can't thank them enough.

"Keith Ilett [club’s life president] has been unbelievable. He has been working eight hours a day to try and help this football club.

"And we've got some more initiatives planned too including a quiz night, legends night, as well as support from a team in Norway nicknamed the Tigers."

And added: "Everyone has pulled together.

"I'm still an advisor helping the club at this moment in time but if all goes well then I'm looking forward to getting back involved and helping to put smiles back on people's faces."

All those wishing to make a donation to the Fund to help save the Tigers can visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/worksoptown.

Further details of how to make contributions to the Fund to help save the Tigers can be obtained from Worksop Town life president Keith Ilett on 07734 144961.