Altrincham bosses have launched an appeal aimed at generating £10,000 to help offset the financial impact of football’s current shutdown.

While eager to reach out to the most vulnerable elements of the local community during the coronavirus crisis, the club are also acutely aware of their own financial plight and have set up a Go Fund Me page to counteract the loss of matchday income.

"We recognise this is a very tough time for our supporters, and giving to a football club may not be uppermost in everyone's mind," said Alty director Lawrence Looney. "But any help they can give would be fantastic."

The move came just as Alty were counting the cost of their latest postponement, last Saturday’s derby showdown with promotion rivals Chester that would have attracted well over 2,000 to The J.Davidson Stadium.

"As a consequence of losing just this game, Alty will miss out on more than £30,000 of revenue, and the delay in the rest of the season takes us well into six figures," added fellow-director Bill Waterson, who revealed that £1,500 had been raised in the first four days of the appeal.

"And that’s not even including the play-offs. We will do our best to do what we always do, and look after the players, the management team and the staff. We will look at our planned investments, on and off the field, and scale them back accordingly.

"But one thing is for sure - the profit we recorded last season will not be repeated this season. And we face significant uncertainty for next season, too.

"In short, we need your help. We know times are hard and we are doing our best to support the community where we can, but we would massively welcome any contribution you can make to support the football club at this time.

"Thank you all in advance for any contribution you can make."

Visit www.gofundme.com/f/alty-fc-donation. Fans are also invited to sign up to the club's Rewards and Patrons scheme and the Monthly Draw.