COMMON sense must prevail to ensure the long-term future of Rhyl Football Club.

The JD Cymru North side announced the suspension of domestic fixtures due to the coronavirus pandemic has accelerated their need to find outsourced funding as financial concerns grow by the day.

It remains to be seen whether or not Welsh Government funding recently announced will aid the Lilywhites in any way. Regardless of what assistance they receive, this is only a short-term fix to a problem that has been brewing for some time.

A lot of the blame can rest on the club’s unnamed owner. He has reportedly been reluctant to enter discussions regarding a possible purchase and is believed to be still charging rent to the club despite their lack of activity on the field.

This seems a callous approach towards a real community asset. The ground has been home to the Lilies’ since 1902 and it seems almost inconceivable they would be playing anywhere else.

But that is the grave situation awaiting them if they cannot sort something out in the not-too-distant future. Their recent cry for help indicated that hard-working volunteers at the club are running out of options.

They are not going to be alone in this plight if the coronavirus pandemic suspension of fixtures lasts beyond April 30. Clubs that are heavily reliant on income from gate receipts and matchday sales are losing money hand over fist at the present time and that does not bode well for their prospects down the line.

You cannot fathom having a Welsh domestic season without Rhyl FC. But make no mistake, this is a very real possibility unless some help if found urgently.

Even if the owner showed a gesture of good faith and withheld all rent payments until the season gets back underway, it might not be enough. This would give the club some brief breathing space financially to put a sustainable plan in place to enhance their prospects and give them a fighting chance of turning things around.

The UK Government is sure to put legislation in place to protect renters and landlords if the coronavirus pandemic continues for a prolonged period of time. One would think an amicable resolution can be made, but nobody is aware of the sort of person Rhyl FC are dealing with regarding the dispute.

Rhyl FC is much more than just a football club. They provide those that might not get the chance to socialise normally with a weekend outlet to enjoy themselves, their Academy gives aspiring players from the town a chance to perform and develop their skills and they also do a tremendous amount of good work throughout the community.

They have enjoyed a tremendous amount of success over the years and it wasn’t too long ago that the Lilies’ ruled the roost in the Welsh Premier League. The club once attracted thousands of supporters on a weekly basis and this rich history much be preserved.

The Lilywhites must be saved for the good of Welsh football. We have seen clubs like Prestatyn Town, Caernarfon Town and Bangor City come back from the brink and the same must be done for Rhyl.