WITTON Albion chairman John Salmon has highlighted an improving financial position for the club, which includes a groundshare extension plan with Northwich Victoria.

Four months ago Salmon asked supporters for their help to pay bills because not enough money was being made by the Wincham Park club.

Manager Carl Macauley and his number two Gary Martindale agreed to a pay cut and most of the players were asked to do the same.

More than £10,000 support was pledged by a small group of supporters almost immediately.

“Our financial situation has improved dramatically in the last three or four months,” said Salmon in a statement this week.

“It needed to.

“Sixty club pledges have been a Godsend and have steadied the ship.

“A lot of historic debt has been cleared although there is some way to go.”

Prize money from the club’s continuing run in the FA Cup, which would rise to a minimum £10,000 with victory over Belper Town in tonight's second qualifying round replay at Wincham Park, will be a help, as will deals close to being confirmed.

Salmon, referring to terms that go beyond the current arrangement that sees Vics as tenants at Wincham Park until the end of this season, added: “We are finalising a two-year extension to the ground share with Northwich Victoria, which is worth a lot to the club in rental income, bar takings and other benefits.

“The agreement will be signed over the coming weeks and sent to the league to ratify.”

And there is further positive news around social activity, including the opportunity to watch top-flight sport.

“Our social club has taken off massively under Jackie Beasant’s stewardship,” he said.

“We did outstandingly well over the bank holiday weekend when we hosted a rock festival. They have booked an even bigger event next year.

“Slimming World and Kiddy Dribblers are about to sign rental agreements for the year as we negotiate the small print.

“Sky Sports and BT complete the revamp.”

Salmon has hailed the work that has seen the Academy, under 21s and youth team feed players through to Macauley’s side.

He concluded: “To those supporters, volunteers and employees who make up our magnificent club I give you, on behalf of the board and myself, our sincere thanks.”