Nuneaton Borough FC thanks fans for another week's survival

Jimmy Ginnelly says he made an emotional address to fans about the club's difficulties

A football team mired in financial difficulties has thanked fans for their "unwavering support".

Nuneaton Borough FC officials feared Saturday's match could be the club's last, after it was served an eviction notice over rent arrears.

But the "amazing efforts" of supporters means it can cover costs to play the next two away games, it said.

"I'll be brutally honest, I was crying when I spoke to the fans [on Saturday]," said owner Jimmy Ginnelly.

"Because it means so much to me and my family and the people of Nuneaton," he told BBC Coventry and Warwickshire.

Having notched up its sixth consecutive win on Saturday, the club's fortunes on the pitch are in much better shape.

Boro, as it is known, is currently trying to find a solution with landlord Arden Tigress, which the BBC has approached for comment.

Nuneaton men's first team competes in the Southern League Premier Division Central

It has been locked out of its Liberty Way stadium for about three weeks and plays on a borrowed pitch.

The club has been behind in rent payments since 2019, and its troubles worsened during the Covid pandemic.

However, before it was locked out it had been "on course" to pay its debts by next month.

'Lost £60,000'

But it has lost at least £60,000 in revenue from home games and other events since being locked out, club bosses said.

Boro also thanked fellow Southern League side Stratford Town for allowing them to play Saturday's home fixture against Alvechurch, at its Knights Lane ground.

Boro beat Alvechurch 3-2, on Saturday.

"We hope you will follow the team in your numbers," the club's latest statement said.

"Not only does your support boost the players, we also receive a share of the gate receipts."

Mr Ginnelly told the BBC he addressed fans about the situation ahead of the match.

'Open the gates'

He also made a plea to Arden Tigress' directors, stressing: "Guys, I am begging you, open the gates for the people of Nuneaton borough."

The club said its priority was reopening the stadium but if this failed, it would look into ground sharing. It had also received several inquiries regarding "a potential club takeover", which it said it would evaluate.

"We are open to any proposals that would ensure the club's continued existence," it added.

The team plays away against Coventry Sphinx on Tuesday night and in the FA Trophy at Banbury on Saturday.