THE very existence of Didcot Town is under threat.

That is the dire assessment from chairman John Bailey – who also warned that other clubs in precarious positions would be pushed to the edge by the measures aimed at tackling the coronavirus pandemic.

Last night the Railwaymen, who were founded in 1907, called for support from the local community in their hour of need.

They will open the doors at their Loop Meadow ground from 4pm on Saturday in the hope of attracting financial assistance.

An online crowdfunding page has also been set up with the aim of raising £10,000.

Bailey has been at the helm since 1995 and any lowpoints in the previous quarter of a century do not compare.

He said: “This has been the most testing time, without any doubt.

“When we started it was difficult, but at least we were open.

“At the moment with the way it is we just can’t see an end to it.”

It is only a few days since the BetVictor Southern League announced a suspension to their games in response to the outbreak.

While it only covered until next Monday, with worldwide sport in almost total lockdown it is presumed the postponements will keep coming.

It is the last thing Didcot needed, having struggled to make ends meet all season.

The prolonged spell of wet weather means Jamie Heapy’s men have not played at home since February 1.

And the already stretched finances are now at breaking point, with Covid-19 impacting not just the football.

Bailey said: “We have been really tight all season.

“We have had to cut everything back to the bone.

“We were just about seeing the season through and then hoping for a good summer (on the bar) with the Euros.

“Then this comes along, all the functions are cancelled and we have no income.

“We need to find £4-5,000 a month just to exist, never mind any football.

“Hopefully the town will get behind us.”

The wider concern is the 2005 FA Vase winners are not in a uniquely perilous position.

Bailey, who hopes Town will be included in some government relief on business rates, said: “I think it’s difficult for everybody.

“It’s not just us, things are really tough.

“We need more people to come in and get involved.

“Once we start losing that it becomes a downward spiral.

“It’s looking quite bleak at the moment, but we will do our utmost.”