REPAIR work to fix the vandalism damaged caused at Selby Town’s home ground will be a financial blow to the club as members assess the costs.

As reported, offenders broke into the boiler house of the Rigid Group Stadium last week and ripped out a copper water heater tank, damaging piping and breaking the locks.

The attack meant the club had to postpone Saturday’s home match against Askern Villa until repairs could be made, and pleaded to readers of The Press to get in touch if they could help.

Thomas Arkley, secretary, said the club had sought a number of quotes, with the best so far being £6,000, and hoped some funding assistance would be available from the Football Association.

He said: “We’ve had a few people round and we’re waiting for quotes.

“We’re looking at a couple of alternative systems instead of the old-fashioned hot water tank system.

“We’ve also been in touch with the FA and we might be able to get a little bit of funding from the Football Foundation.

“Obviously, we need it now as opposed to in two or three weeks time, so it depends on how quickly they can respond.

“Some take weeks or months to come through though, and we’re looking for a rapid response.

“We haven’t got that sort of money spare so we’re looking at help from various avenues. There are grants available but we need it in days rather than weeks.”

This week, the club also appointed a new manager, Ian Dring, and hope to escape the lower half of the Northern Counties East League First Division.

Mr Arkley said: “Ian played at this level at Maltby, Park Gate, various other clubs, so the hope is to climb in the league and he is actively recruiting as we speak. He’s got the right attitude and hopefully we will get it right this time.

“We are looking for a sympathetic plumber to maybe mend it for us, and wait a while for his money. They have all been made aware of that. We’re hopeful we can get it done by December 8, but if not we’re going to lose another home game. It will be another blow for the coffers. It’s Catch 22.”

Anyone who can help the club with its repairs should phone Mr Arkley on 01757 700356 or 07830 218657.