A CITY football club are in danger of folding unless a main sponsor comes on board.

That is the stark warning from Hereford Lads Club player-manager Danny Moon as his side prepare to start life in West Midlands (Regional) League Division One this Saturday.

Moon says that the Widemarsh Common based club spent between £6,000 and £7,000 in order to gain the necessary ground grading to be promoted to the Premier Division.

But, unbeknown to them, Lads Club failed to meet the deadline and were unsuccessful in their appeal to overturn a Football Association decision to refuse them promotion.

The knock-back, according to Moon, has resulted in sponsors pulling out and players leaving the club and, unless anyone provides them with financial support, the senior team could fold by the end of the month.

"We lost our sponsor and a a few players have left – it's going to be a month by month thing," admitted Moon.

"If no one comes in, then we could fold by the end of the month.

"We spent a lot of our funds getting everything ready and we we didn't receive anything from the Football Foundation because that was only geared on us getting promotion.

"We've spent a lot of hours and graft and probably spent between £6,000 and £7,000 on getting a temporary stand, a walkway and fencing.

"It's all down to running costs – officials cost £140 to £150 a game for example, so it's hard.

"We've only got a couple of sponsors now, a lot of people have put the effort in, but a lot of people have dropped away."

Moon added that, even though pre-season has gone ok, he is ensure if the players will be motivated enough throughout the season due to the disappointment of losing their appeal.

"We've lost players because we didn't gain promotion , so it all comes down to commitment," he said.

Lads Club, who lost 2-1 at home to Llandrindod Wells last Saturday, host Wednesfield in their opening league game this Saturday.

And Moon thinks he will have to play despite the 34-year-old wanting to concentrate more on managing the side.

"I wasn't going to play, but I think I will have to because we're so short of numbers," admitted Moon.

Anyone who can help Lads Club is asked to call Danny Moon on 07557 128790.