CONCERNS are growing for the future of Whitehaven RLFC, which is down to only two directors amid financial struggles and poor match-day attendances.

Shareholders for the club will meet on Friday, July 19, for the annual general meeting and officials are growing concerned about the club's situation. 

Former chief executive Barry Morgan recently stepped down from his role at the club and directors Grant Taylor, Ian Lowrey, and Dave Pennington have also resigned recently.

Financial struggles and poor fan attendance on match days are being cited as causes of the club's poor situation. 

Former director Dave Pennington said: "It's very frightening at the moment... the crowds are not helping. 

"I think the various groups who help the club need to come together."

Mr Pennington said the board of directors cleared £80,000 of the club's debt earlier this year. 

He said many officials at Whitehaven RL put their own money in to help the club. 

In a post on social media, Mr Pennington wrote: "If things don’t change drastically, sadly the gates will close.

"Everyone needs to come together and help the club. If things, and people’s attitudes don’t change there will not be any rugby league in Whitehaven. It makes me so upset writing this, but it’s the truth."

Former chief executive Barry Morgan said: "I resigned from the club due to medical issues. I was so stressed out with the amount of abuse I was taking from so-called fans.

"I was getting abuse on the terraces, and they were making allegations that I was taking money from the club.

"All of the money has gone into the club, and I haven't taken a penny out of what I put in. That's a sentiment shared by all the other directors who have contributed to keeping this great club open."

In Whitehaven's game against Toulouse on Saturday, July 13, the match attendance was 331. This is thought to be the lowest-ever match day attendance. 

There is growing concern that the dwindling fan numbers are adding further financial pressure.

However, Mr Morgan remains hopeful. He added: "I think Whitehaven's future is okay in the correct hands, we've proved the club can support itself."