WORKINGTON Town have thanked the community for their 'crucial support' in what has been a difficult time for the club - and stressed the importance of the next home game which they say is 'vital' in planning for the future.

After a difficult year, in recent weeks fans have come together in the hopes of raising £10,000, which would help secure the future of the team.

The JustGiving page set up by the Derwent Park Supporters Club has raised over £7,500 since it was set up a week ago - many from the town as well as the wider rugby league community have donated to try and support the immediate future of the club.

Head coach Chris Thorman said: "There is so much to fight for with this club because of what it brings to the community.

"It's been a disappointing year for a number of reasons and there has been a number of curcumstances that have dictated that.

"This just shows that when the community comes together, and also when the wider rugby league community comes together, it just gives you a bit of faith and shows that this club is absolutely worth fighting for.

"We have to fight for this club, we have to do everything possible.

"There's a lot of people that care and there's a lot of people that since they were children growing up this club's been a massive part of their lives and it makes you realise we have just got to keep fighting."

Board members at Workington Town RLFC have thanked players, staff and fans at the club who are all driving to try and help the club in the immediate future.

They are also urging all fans old or new to head down to the next home game on Sunday, August 21 in what will be a crucial day for Workington Town.

A spokesman said: "The board of directors at Workington Town RLFC would like to place on record their thanks to the players, coaches and support staff who have taken a substantial wage deduction to contribute to securing the immediate future of the club.

"The financial support is crucial at this time. In addition to that we would also like to thank our fan base and the wider RL community and our wonderful supporters' clubs, the Travellers Rest Committee members, The Derwent Park Supporters Club and also the efforts of Helen Mcdowell and Carole Shaw who completed a sponsored walk yesterday to raise funds.

"We would also like to stress that the revenue from our next home game v Dewsbury Rams is vital to our financial planning and significant admission savings available via early bird offers as we aim to support BEE UNIQUE AUTISM charity when we will wear a distinctive 'one off kit' and help make a difference to local people."

To buy tickets for the next Workington Town match click here.