CAMMELL LAIRD have made the shock announcement that the credit crunch has finally hit the UniBond League Premier Division club and that they will be reverting to amateur status with immediate effect.

Players who wish to leave will be helped to find alternative clubs but the club vows to see out the current campaign in the UniBond League Premier Division.

Chairman John Lynch and his board of directors have fought hard to meet their financial commitments so far this season but the point has now been reached where the present situation cannot continue. Match day revenue is down despite being promoted last season and an early exit from both major cup competitions means that prize money received has been below minimum expectations.

Laird’s chief executive George Higham said in a statement: “Whilst we are grateful to our loyal and growing band of sponsors for their generous contributions, the club needs considerably more commercial income, which is not practical to expect in today’s economic climate. Our crowds have remained one of the lowest in the League and so we have missed out on valuable gate receipts which clubs at our level rely on.

“The situation is now so serious that urgent and drastic action is needed to save the club from a financial meltdown that could lead to its ultimate failure. Decisions will be taken which may not always be popular with players and supporters but will be designed only to try to safeguard the future of the club and to see all the games played this season.

“If together we can get through the next few months then the club management will have a chance to take the club forward and retain our rightful place in the local non league football hierarchy.”

Laird, who celebrated their centenary season last year, have had a fairytale rise up the non-League pyramid over the last five years with four promotions in that time taking them to within three steps of the Football League. National success was also enjoyed in reaching the semi-final of the FA Vase three years ago.