BRIGHOUSE Town are crowdfunding, after the cancellation of the season due to the coronavirus pandemic caused them a major financial headache.

And the news today that former Manchester United legend and Salford City owner Gary Neville has made a significant donation will have come as a huge boost.

Neville admitted that the club hold a special place in his heart, as the last Salford game he saw with his dad Neville, before the 65-year-old passed away in 2015, was against Brighouse.

Brighouse manager Vill Powell said: "It’s an unexpected but brilliant gesture and I can’t thank him enough.

"Everyone is aware of the impact this has had globally, and football is no different.

"For all football clubs, these are difficult times but for small clubs like Brighouse Town, the impact of Covid-19 has been devastating, as the income we receive fails to exist.

"Gary’s generosity and that of others in football and the local community is essential. so a massive thank you to him and all those who have donated to our just giving page.

"We urge all fans of football to support your local non-league team in whatever way you can and stay safe, stay at home”.

Brighouse have had to return virtually all of their club stock and have lost out on vital matchday revenue, both from their own games and the major amateur and schools finals they were due to host.

In a statement, the club said: "While operating at step four (of the non-league pyramid), we have strived to stay within our means and cut our cloth accordingly.

"Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, like all businesses, we have had to shut down, which has resulted in all future income, which the club relies on to cover its operating costs, becoming non-existent.

"This has resulted in us having to give away nearly all our club stock, due to use by dates, and the likelihood is that the current situation will last several months.

"Match day income and local sponsorship account for nearly all of the club’s revenue. Since February 1, until the season was suspended, we had one home game.

"We still had four home games to play, along with the local schools finals and two well attended major local amateur finals that are played at the ground at the end of the season, all of which are essential revenue for the club.

"With the season being cancelled, this has meant all future income for this season has ceased.

"This has led to the club having a void in our income, as existing bills and future bills still need to be paid.

"The current situation is a threat to many football clubs' continuation and existence and we are no different. We are looking for help from the football family, the local community and businesses to help the football club fill this gap.

"Without the community, Brighouse doesn’t exist. Everyone at the football club thanks you for your support. Any amount, no matter how small, will go towards ensuring the future of the club,

"We have set up a JustGiving page for donations to be made (see: https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/brighousetownafc).

"While football isn’t a priority right now, as a nation we will get through this, and it’s important to local communities that when we do come out the other side, their football club is still healthy and in existence.

"The priority is that we return to normal by staying home and saving lives.

"Brighouse Town would like to send our thanks to the NHS and all the people working on the front line.

"These people are truly heroes, keeping the country going and risking their lives to keep people safe."