Halifax Chairman warns fans “we may not have a club” without financial support

It’s been 20 years since Halifax Panthers were in Super League, but only five years prior to that the Panthers were in the top four of the competition.

Undoubtedly one of the biggest clubs in the Betfred Championship, they have been dreaming of Super League for years.

As they find themselves embroiled in a play-off battle, their Chairman Dave Grayson has delivered an update reminding fans of the need to support the club financially.

“Off the field – support financially has been invaluable to the club and very much appreciated by all the Board – especially in these very challenging economic times. On behalf of myself and the Board, I say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported.

“It is nearly nine months since the ownership of the club changed hands and I must be honest and say it has been tough going financially.

“The legacy debt left and our current business model of having to go five weeks without home game revenue, coupled with the economic challenges we are all facing, has meant the shareholders have had to divert their money to try help navigate these financial challenges.”

Halifax currently occupy the final Championship play-off place, giving them an outside shot at Super League if they can stay there come the end of the season.

Though both league leaders’ Featherstone and Toulouse are favourites for promotion, the Panthers have proven that on their day this season they can run any of the top teams close.

Elaborating on his previous points, Grayson was not holding back as he went into more details about the club’s current financial status and the precarious position they find themselves in.

He added: “Without wishing to be too melodramatic – without this investment, the reality is, we may well not have had a club.

“I am aware that several other clubs are going through the same challenges, but we must focus on ensuring ours is able to navigate through and move forward. The board really do hope the fans will continue to support the club as they have done thus far.”

The Panthers have recently brought in Ben Crooks, with the former Hull KR star arriving from Keighley Cougars to boost the club’s current squad and perhaps send a message to their rivals about their intent in the second half of the season.

Current leaders and favourites Featherstone have shown vulnerability this season, including against Halifax when the Panthers sumped them out of the Challenge Cup.

Having already beaten Rovers in one knockout game this season, there is hope that there could be a repeat come the end of this season which could lead to the Panthers earning Super League status.

If that was the case, it would relieve any financial worries for the club with the increased revenue of Super League, through TV money, sponsorship and increased attendances, likely to allow Halifax to get a more stable footing on and off the pitch.