Silsden AFC boss Chris Reape has revealed the extent of his players’ commitment - they are doing it for free.

The Cobbydalers have lost this season's main sponsor Link Telecom, who went into administration in October, and have been struggling for funds.

At the same time, they are trying to raise £40,000 by the end of January to facilitate a move from their rented Cougar Park base back to their original Keighley Road ground in Silsden.

Against that backdrop, Reape’s squad are turning out for free in what is a semi-professional league.

Reape said: “We know the lads that are here want to play for Silsden. It’s not about money.

“No one at Silsden is getting paid at all. The lads who are here want to play for the shirt. The club hasn’t got any money and what it does get, goes back into the club.”

Reape emphasised how crucial the club’s intended return to their own ground is, both financially and from a footballing perspective.

Reape, who said some players had cited Cougar Park as a reason for them leaving, said: “For me, it’s very important. I know Cougars do their best for us but at the end of the day, it’s a rugby field.

“We need to go back home where we belong. We need our own base and it’s important for the club to go forward. We don't generate revenue at Cougar Park and it probably costs us, if anything.

“If you have your own ground, you can do all sorts (to generate money), even if it’s just pie and peas.”

Reape has been delighted with the players who have stayed loyal to the North West Counties League club since he took over in the hot seat from Paul Schofield in October.

Those who chose not to join the early-season exodus have helped steer the Cobbydalers away from the threat of relegation to an impressive eighth place in the Premier Division.

Sildsen have won five and drawn one of their last eight games since November, the only two defeats being narrow ones against UniBond Premier Division neighbours Park Avenue and runaway league leaders Newcastle Town.

Reape said: “It’s just been down to hard work, doing the job they’ve been asked and being disciplined.

“We’ve tried to stop conceding stupid goals which, to be fair, we have done.”

He added: “I’d like to bring in one or two players but it’s difficult to sign anyone at this stage of the season and there is no money about which makes it even harder.

“You hear rumours that cer-tain players are coming back to the club. If they want to, the door is open but they will have to do well to dislodge the current players.”

Silsden’s Boxing Day derby at Colne was called off on Christmas Eve due to the winter weather.

On Saturday, they are due to host Bacup Borough, who are struggling in 16th place - 14 points behind the Cobbydalers but having played seven games fewer.

Silsden’s Football’s Coming Home Appeal is trying to raise £40,000 in pledges by the end of January to secure matched funding from the FA’s Football Foundation so it can upgrade its Keighley Road ground to league standards.

Donations can be made at silsde-nafc@hotmail.com