RADCLIFFE Borough manager Paul McGuire has urged the local community to get behind the club during its current financial problems.

The Stainton Park outfit maintained their unbeaten home record with a 1-1 draw against Ossett Albion in the league on Saturday and a 6-0 thumping of Wigan Robin Park in the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy on Tuesday night.

But behind the scenes, the club’s financial plight took a turn for the worse, with confirmation from the manager his players had not yet been paid for September.

The Evo-Stik League have refused to comment on Boro’s situation after imposing a transfer embargo following the non-payment of an £1,800 VAT bill.

Chairman Bernard Manning Jnr said last week he had agreed a repayment plan with HMRC and expected the ban to be lifted.

And while McGuire says he is hopeful he will be able to make additions to his squad in the next week, he accepts there is a risk of losing his current players.

“I think people can see the football side of things has taken a real turn for the better,” he said.

“My players were fantastic this week, putting the financial problems to one side.

“Our start in the league has been much better than in recent seasons and we stand the chance of breaking into the top nine with victory this weekend.

“But it is clear the club cannot continue to operate at this level with the revenue coming in. We only had 38 in the crowd on Tuesday night, but there was talk of fans grouping together to try to raise much-needed funds.

“If we can get more people in the community coming to matches and joining that effort, then I think we can get through these current problems and come out of it in a much better position – on and off the pitch.”

It is understood plans are being put in place to launch a fans’ committee to help organise the fundraising effort.

But a planned meeting after Tuesday night’s game never materialised.

Boro have another two home matches over the next week, entertaining Farsley Athletic, who are fifth in Evo-Stik Division One North, in the league on Saturday before welcoming FC United to Stainton Park next Tuesday in the Manchester Premier Cup.

That match could obviously help boost the Boro coffers, but the Radcliffe boss accepts they need a longer-lasting solution.

McGuire added: “The club used to try to get local backing, selling advertising on boards or selling the VIP Suite on a match day, I don't think that is going on anymore.

“It is a shame and puts us in a really difficult position as we can't attract new players and obviously we could lose some of our players. Nobody wants to leave Radcliffe Borough, but it depends if someone comes in with a better offer.”