A FOOTBALL club is celebrating after securing its short-term future thanks to the efforts of the community.

Buckley Town Football Club, which earlier this year warned it could be forced to fold due to dwindling finances and volunteers, has now returned to a secure footing for this season.

Interim club chairman Allan Botterell said more than 300 people had purchased season tickets for home games at the Globe Way Stadium – providing more revenue than they received last season in gate receipts.

He said: “It is amazing to get to this stage.

“People have been talking more about it in the community which has helped us get to this stage.

“There are more people coming and more people buying something at the cafe so we have extra revenue coming in. Last week we had 231 at the match which is the biggest attendence we have had for about five or six years.”

The club, which dates back to 1887, has been shored up in the short-term thanks to additional support, but Mr Botterell said longer-term support was still needed.

As part of the plans to restore the club’s fortunes, the season ticket offer – priced at £10 for a household with under 12s free if accompanied by a season ticket holder – was introduced.

Mr Botterell said: “The amount of people coming to the games is a huge leap up and people in Buckley are talking about the football club and coming to see the games.

“We have had people who came last year and have come again this year and said that the place has really improved.” As part of the season ticket drive, football legends including Mickey Thomas and Grenville Millington got behind the club and purchased tickets.

In the long-term, Mr Botterell said the club hoped to be successful in getting funding for a 3G pitch, which would help provide a more stable source of income.