YORK City’s postponed game with Gillingham means parent company JM Packaging will need to sink around £50,000 into the club.

With the Minstermen without a home game until Burton Albion’s visit on New Year’s Day and with staff and players’ salaries to be paid, the club’s owners will need to cover costs which would have been met by gate receipts had the match gone ahead.

Football League rules mean City must also pay Gillingham’s travel and overnight expenses – another burden on the Bootham Crescent finances.

“It is really disappointing for everyone as we were looking forward to a good Christmas atmosphere,” said City communications and community director Sophie Hicks.

“The groundstaff, Wayne and Kevin, worked tirelessly over the past few days to try to make sure the game went ahead, but sadly the pitch just wasn’t playable.

“We are pleased that the referee was able to call the game off as early as possible so fans, especially those travelling, weren’t too inconvenienced.

“We kept Gillingham closely informed of the situation throughout the last few days. They had to travel up. You can’t call off a game the day before (in these circumstances).

“Their assistant manager came in on Saturday morning and met with Gary Mills and the referee. York City will have to cover their travel costs and overnight stay.

“Gillingham have been very co-operative and helpful throughout this process.”

Hicks added: “Most of all, we are disappointed that we weren’t able to play this great fixture just before Christmas.

“We were expecting a big crowd for this hotly anticipated game and it obviously hits the club finances. The players and staff are paid on the 29th of the month and obviously the proceeds of this game would have covered their salaries.

“That’s difficult but, fortunately, the parent company – JM Packaging – is able to assist with the cash flow difficulty.

“We hope people will come out and show the team their support on New Year’s Day.”