CLITHEROE manager Tommy Lawson has vowed that he and his players will fight on after the club almost went to the wall.

The full extent of the financial crisis that led to the resignation of chairman John Robinson was revealed by the new committee, which includes new acting chairman Carl Garner.

And they said that it was only success in cups, particularly the FA Trophy, that ensured the club was still afloat going into the New Year.

But despite this crisis leading to crippling cuts on the playing side, Lawson insists that he and the players are "taking it on the chin."

And , with the exception of Gary Williams who has joined Leigh RMI, the Blues squad is set to remain intact for the near future as they try to keep alive their hopes of a UniBond Division One play-off place.

This is despite the fact that an emergency general meeting last week showed there was less than a week's wages left in the bank.

"It's all of us that are in this together," said Lawson.

"It's a collective thing and we're taking it on the chin. The players have to bear the brunt of it but I've sat down with all of them, told them the situation and they're rallying round.

"We've won £10,600 from the cups and had a sportsman's dinner that raised £4,500 and stuff like that should be the icing on the cake. It should be over and above.

"But we're in a situation where the belt needs tightening now ."

Along with Garner, a new treasurer, commercial manager and three new committee members have been added to six existing ones.

They are now striving to raise the funds which will ensure the club remains stable but they are urging fans and residents of the town to help them do it.

"We are all aware that there is a lot of hard work ahead, but have been encouraged and overwhelmed by the generosity of our supporters," said a club statement.

"We have had pledges, donations and loan offers from numerous supporters that gives us the opportunity to buy some time during the current campaign to start our own fundraising activities.

"Clitheroe has had a town football club for 130 years and we will strive to ensure that this tradition continues but we need the town's support."

Clitheroe go to Spalding United in the league tomorrow.