CHIPPENHAM Town say the postponement to National League football has left the club with a shortfall of over £70,000.

The National League has joined its fully professional counterparts in shutting down competition as coronavirus continues to spread.

That has left a number of clubs across the league’s three divisions in financial strife, estimated at a combined £15-20million in total.

The Bluebirds are no different, the club saying they require £72,000 to meet their obligations.

Before the football shutdown, Chippenham had three home games left to play, including what would likely have been a bumper Easter Monday crowd.

Eager to be open with supporters, the club revealed the details in a statement.

It read: “Foremost in our thoughts is the health and safety of our staff, volunteers, supporters and everyone’s families and friends at this extremely taxing time.

“We hope to see you all back at the Thornbury Surfacing Ltd Stadium in the not too distant future.

“As Coronavirus has caused all football to be postponed until April 30th at the earliest, the Club has undertaken a major review of its financial obligations following the loss of income from the three remaining home fixtures, social activities and the Bluebird’s Bar.

“It is only right and proper that all supporters know the Club’s financial position and the course of action needed to keep the Club solvent.

“Up to the end of June 2020 the Club has to find £72,000 to meet its full financial commitments.”

However, Chippenham will not be among the worst-hit clubs.

To ensure the club remains afloat, they will use money that had been previously designated for development of their Hardenhuish Park home.

The statement continued: “From now on the Club will receive no regular income.

“Thanks to the support of the Club’s Sponsors, the fantastic fundraising efforts of the Commercial Team, the Bluebird’s Bar, the FA Cup run and the financial prudence established by the Finance Department; the Club is in a better position than many National League clubs.

“Until the latest developments the Club’s finances were sound.

“It has been calculated that the clubs in the three National Leagues require support of £15 to £20million to continue.

“The National League has asked all member clubs to complete a cash-flow questionnaire in order to calculate the level of help required by each club. This information will be forwarded to the FA for consideration.

“Also, we might be entitled to direct Government support.

“Realistically we do not know whether help will be forthcoming and cannot count on any assistance.

“In the circumstances, unless support comes from the FA or the Government, a proportion of the money earmarked (£77,000) for the new building will have to be used to keep the Club running.

“The continuation of the Club must take precedence at this difficult time as we move into uncharted waters.

“The first phase of the project has been completed, resulting in an urgently needed car-park and the Directors are keen to move forward with the new building as soon as finances allow.”

In order to help provide additional funds in the short term, Chippenham fans have been urged to buy their season tickets for the 2020-21 campaign early.

“Supporters can help the Club’s cash-flow by purchasing their season tickets now at the early bird prices- Adult - £205, Concession - £142, Junior - £48. Payment details are on the web site.

“If you have any ideas to help ease the Club’s financial position please email John Applegate or Phil Laycock, at outmarsh1@aol.com.

“Finally, the Directors would like to thank all supporters for their continued support during this testing time.”