County: Fundraiser to boost playing budget is a no-go

The Exiles have had to cut costs because of the coronavirus crisis, leading to the departure of key men Scot Bennett and Jamille Matt.

The Rodney Parade club were unable to offer fresh contracts to the influential duo because of the pandemic, which led to the suspension of the League Two campaign in March and its subsequent cancellation.

County are nearing a £40,000 target for a Crowdfunder that will enable them to have the logo of a chosen charity on the front of next season's shirt.

But club bosses, who have warned income could be down 40 per cent, say that asking fans to chip in to give manager Michael Flynn more spending power is not possible.

"Whilst the economic factors are of course significant in this area there are other considerations as well," said the Exiles in a Q&A on the club website.

"Firstly, we have 18 players under contract for next year, initially including Mark O'Brien (who has retired and undergone heart surgery).

"We don't know at the present time what the football fair play rules (Financial Fair Play regulations) are going to be for our division. It is likely to be a salary cap but as it stands today SCMP (Salary Cost Management Protocol) is still the measure.

"Lastly, we don't know what date the season will start. All these factors make it difficult for the club to commit any further (at this point) to player contracts than it has already done so for the forthcoming season.

"So, whilst the economics are key there are other factors that need to be considered which mean a Crowdfunder specifically for players may not achieve the desired effect."

County had 10 games left to play in League Two with home games against Colchester, Northampton, Grimsby and Forest Green Rovers scratched.

With the Exiles feeling the pinch after the loss of gate receipts, the club asked supporters in June to resist asking for refunds.

"We would again like to thank every single supporter who decided not to ask for any refund for season tickets or match-day tickets purchased for the curtailed 2019/20 season along with the 375 supporters who have contributed to the Crowdfunder," said a statement.

"The club genuinely appreciates your generosity, particularly as we recognise these are difficult and uncertain times for many of you.

"Secondly, any donations supporters are able to make to the Crowdfunder initiative will be greatly appreciated not just by the club but also the three charities involved.

"Finally, the Supporters' Trust remains the club's majority shareholder and the more Trust members we have, the more the Trust can donate to the club as owners."

County are not going to sell season tickets for 2020/21 until there is more clarity on what punters will get for their purchase.

They have explored a "blended" option of live streaming if matches are played behind closed doors and then reverting to a traditional season ticket when fans are allowed back into Rodney Parade.

The club are also waiting for guidance from the UK and Welsh governments about whether reduced capacities with social distancing will be possible.

Match day prices will be frozen for the coming campaign, with the Exiles previously stating they are working on the assumption of an October start.

Flynn and his squad are not yet back in training with that date driven by the announcement about the start of the 2020/21 League Two campaign.