Chairman takes the blame for current plight

Defending manager Simon Clark on the club’s supporters message board, the owner revealed he had cut the wage bill by 25 per cent and three players were voluntarily playing without wages.

The businessman, who is in the midst of an attempt to get a football ground built on the old Vesuvius site, also admitted that relegation would mean the money saving exercise was a mistake, but assured supporters he was committed to a promotion push again next year.

He posted: “Simon came in when the team was second bottom. He went 17 unbeaten and had a great trophy run.”

“When both were finished I reduced the wage bill by 25 per cent.”

“Some players left, some were asked to take pay cuts, and Robbo (Marc Roberts) was lent to Buxton until the end of the season.”

“Now, if we get relegated, then I’ve dropped a monumental clanger.”

Clark continued: “Simon has three players i playing for free, out of loyalty to him.”

“Sometimes you can’t share these things with the fans.”

In reference to the Jon Worsnop departure the Worksop Town owner said: “If a player demands to know whether he is in the plans next year, irrespective of whether he is or he isn’t, he should give his all this year.”

“Contracts get sorted in the summer. If he’s not happy with that, then he can leave. No animosity, shake hands, goodbye.”

And on the club’s poor run of form and league position he added: “I knackered the season long before Simon came in. I’m also learning very quickly about this league and the job at hand.”

“At some point we will need to make a serious title challenge. I can’t and won’t hide behind inexperience forever. Time will tell if it’s the right time to push but I’m prepared to have another go next year.”

“Of course the easiest thing in the world is to tread water until the new ground takes shape, if at all. But I don’t want to do that. I hope we finish the season strongly. Thanks for all your opinions and thoughts, every one of them, and for your support this year.”