Plymouth fans give money to staff

Last updated : 21 December 2010 By BBC Sport

Plymouth have until 9 February to clear their debts with HM Revenue & Customs.

"Within 12 hours we had £750," campaign founder Ian Newell told BBC Spotlight. "It's incredible, everybody has caught on with what we're attempting to do."

Newell launched the appeal through the fans website PASOTI (Plymouth Argyle Supporters on the Internet).

Within 12 hours we had £750 - Newell

He said: "Cash in hand and in the bank account there's about £1500 so far, but I've got a feeling that it's going to surpass £2000."

At a high court hearing on 8 December, Plymouth Argyle were given two months to clear their debts with HMRC.

Newell continued: "We want to help the lads and lasses who we see every other week at Home Park, but we also want to show to people like Sir Roy Gardner [chairman], and Keith Todd [executive director], that the normal rank and file fan seems to think more of their staff than they do.

"The Plymouth directors should hang their heads in shame for what has happened to this club and the way they have treated their staff."

A statement from the club said: "Non-playing staff are due to be paid December wages next week, but it is not clear if this will happen or not.

"The club are making strenuous efforts to meet the December payroll in time and staff have been assured it has been given the utmost priority.

"There is a chance though that the staff may not receive this month's pay until after Christmas."

A spokesman at the club said staff were absolutely overwhelmed by how generous people have been, and would like to thank supporters.

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport