Ebbsfleet United's income has been severely hit after just two home games in January. Picture: Steve Crispe

by Steve Tervet

Cash-strapped Ebbsfleet United have appealed for donations to help save the club after a barren month which has severely reduced income streams.

The postponement of last Saturday’s scheduled home game against Tamworth hit the Fleet’s finances hard.

Liam Daish’s side have not played at home since January 5 and by the time Macclesfield Town visit for next Friday’s televised clash, Stonebridge Road will have gone almost four weeks without hosting senior football.

In an appeal which warned fans to “lose your pounds or lose your club”, Ebbsfleet have called for a £30 donation from every supporter, every Fleet Trust member and every MyFootballClub member.

Fleet chairman Jessica McQueen said: “The fans have got to make the decision, do they want the football club to run or don’t they? I think the next few days will give us a very loud message of what they want.

“As everyone’s aware, the weather has been horrendous; it’s either been freezing, wet or snowy and a mixture of those three has meant that we have not been able to fulfil home fixtures. No home fixtures means no income but unfortunately there is still money going out.

“We have to pay for the stuff we buy in, for the burger bars, the beer, programmes that we’ve had printed in readiness for the game. They all cost money and we’re not getting any money in.”

The game against Macclesfield is one of Ebbsfleet’s four home fixtures scheduled for February. Gateshead, Stockport and Hereford are all due to visit Stonebridge Road later in the month but the Fleet’s situation remains acute.

McQueen added: “We can’t start spending February’s money even though the February fixtures look very good if we manage to get all the games on.

“There has to come a time when we’ve got to say to the fans ‘come on, we need your help.’ It’s the football club or it’s no football club.”

The club will be open on Saturday to accept donations in person or over the phone. Money can also be donated via the Fleet Trust’s Paypal account at www.fleet-trust.co.uk/donate-now.php