The club’s Board of Directors have appealed to the Donegal Sporting public to come out and support Finn Harps in their remaining League fixtures, starting tonight (Fri.) at home to St. Pat’s and forthcoming home games against Sligo Rovers and Shamrock Rovers.

The club is also asking the Donegal public to support the Finn Harps ‘Legends Game’ v Liverpool Legends which kicks-off tomorrow at Finn Park at 3.00 p.m.

It’s also understood that the Ballybofey club has also annouced that a 50 per cent cut will be made in players’ wages due to the present financial climate.

In a statement issued this week, the club said: “Finn Harps Football Club wishes to thank most sincerely all its players and staff for their help and assistance at this time. The steps taken are in the best interest of Finn Harps short and long term. The immediate aim is to secure our status in the Premier Division for the coming season and all at the club are working towards that goal.”

The statement concluded: “We would, however, point out that if the Donegal sporting public come out and supported the club over the remaining games the effects of any adjustment can be minimised on all concerned if not eliminated. We, therefore, urge the sporting public and, indeed, business community, to support us for the remainder of the season.”

This latest move has again raised doubts about the future of Finn Harps, particularly after the annoucement that players face an immediate 50 per cent pay cut.

With just six games remaining this season, the club informed all of its 31 full-time and part-time staff, including the 22 players, at last Tuesday night’s training session.

The club has blamed the situation on falling gate receipts and the unwillingness of banks to lend money in the present financial climate. One source close to the Ballybofey club claimed that Finn Harps “had no money” and “was living on borrowed time!”

A club spokesman said the club “Wished to thank most sincerely all its players and staff for their help and assistance at this time.”

He went on: “The immediate aim is to secure our status in the Premier Division for the coming season and all at the club are working towards that goal.”

Ironically, the surprise pay cut comes just days after what could prove a vital victory over Bray Wanderers in the battle for Premier Division survival, aan away win which saw Paul Hegarty’s men move seven points clear of the relegation zone.

Finn Harps adopted a full-time ethic at the beginning of the current season, following promotion, but attendances have fallen from a height of around 1,600 early in the season to closer to 1,100.

The club’s FAI representative, Mr. John Campbell said the drop of 500 people from the attendances had made a huge difference to the club.

“The attendances are up on last year but in the projection of what we needed, that figure had to stay around 1,400 to 1,600 people.” Mr.