THE directors of crisis-hit Runcorn FC Halton have had emergency talks with borough council chiefs over the club's spiralling debts.

Unless a solution is found to the club's finances, it is unlikely the Linnets will be able to afford to complete their current campaign in the Conference North.

A fortnight ago the club sacked manager Alvin McDonald, citing financial constraints as the reason for his dismissal.

Now the club must pay the council £3,000 towards its stadium rent by the end of today or face the threat of eviction.

A council spokesman said: 'Runcorn FC Halton has substantial outstanding debts with the council. If this sum is not met by the football club, the debt will ultimately become the responsibility of the general taxpayer.

'The council has met with representatives of the club and suggested various ways the club could reduce its expenditure.'

Now members of the Linnets Independent Supporters Trust (LIST) have made a last-ditch attempt to save the ailing club.

Martin Fallon, acting communication director of LIST, said: 'The situation is very serious and we need help. If we do not find this money then there is a very real possibility that we will be removed from the stadium. If that happens then the football club faces an uncertain future.

'We need to raise money in order to help the football club pay for a facility so that they can reach the end of the season. Whether this money is put towards paying the rental of the Halton Stadium or is used to rent another ground until the end of the season will become clear in due course.

'The main aim of LIST has always been to get the club back to Runcorn, but to do that we need to survive the short term.

'Therefore, we are issuing this appeal for financial help to anybody who can assist us.'

Donations can be made direct to the LIST bank account at the Co-operative Bank under the account name Linnets Independent Supporters Trust and sort code 089299, account number 65156575. Alternatively, fans can send a cheque payable to LIST at 28 Primrose Close, Castlefields, Runcorn WA7 2LL.

Meanwhile, new Runcorn manager Steve Soley has called on Halton council to help bail out the club.

He said: 'This is our local team and it cannot be allowed to dis-appear. The council has got to help us out. The council wouldn't chuck Widnes Vikings out if they had trouble, would they?

'It is not the fault of the chairman or the supporters that we are in this situation.'