CRISIS club Wimborne Town’s playing budget has been axed with immediate effect as chairperson Paula Henley revealed: “We simply don’t have the money.”

Henley last week announced debts of approximately £110,000 but plans to remove the £1,250-per-week provision for players and management were initially shelved for a fortnight at the request of boss Simon Browne.

However, that stay of execution has been cut short with Henley adamant the ailing Southern One South & West club will only be able to meet travel expenses from now on, writes Andy Mitchell.

Providing an update on Wimborne’s plight, Henley told the Daily Echo: “I have spoken to Simon and told him that Saturday would be the last day we could pay the players.

“We simply don’t have the money in the pot to spread that out for another week and are now reliant on the money coming in that people specifically want spent on player wages.

“Everyone at the club is incredibly grateful every penny put forward but with the best will in the world, there is always a sudden influx before it starts to fade."

Henley reported donations to fund the playing squad, set up following last week’s emergency fans’ forum, had hit approximately £1,000 but that current pledges would only raise £300 per month moving forward.

“We cannot give an exact figure because Ken Fergus (director) is still bringing together all the cash donations and pledges," she added.

"We are still trying to get people to contribute if they wish to but it is hard and at the moment, it is not going to meet the criteria.

“We are going to meet expenses. We cannot expect people to get themselves to the places we have to travel to at this level and be out of pocket but that is the only thing we can offer at the moment.”

The announcement will come as a hammer blow to Browne, who expressed fears members of his squad would “have to look elsewhere” in an interview with the (Bournemouth) Daily Echo over the weekend.

It is understood that Sydenhams Premier title chasers Blackfield & Langley are poised to poach winger Carl Preston with Winchester City also circling.

Goalkeeper Shane Murphy is on the cusp of a return to former club Dorchester, but the move is not thought to be connected to Wimborne’s financial woes.

Meanwhile, Henley did have positive news on the club’s liabilities, reporting that creditors had agreed to write off or convert to shares some £66,000 of debt.

“We are speaking to the people owed money and a certain amount has been written off. Others are prepared to wait until the club is back on its feet while we target reducing the debt and outgoings.

“Fundraising ideas are coming forward and we are still negotiating with suppliers to see if we can get an extension on some of the payments.

“Reducing costs will play a big part in balancing the books and positive things are happening in that respect with people offering their time for nothing.”