FEARS have been expressed for the future of Chorley Football Club -- despite a statement from its multi-millionaire backer Trevor Hemmings, praising its financial management

The message came in the wake of the shock closure of Chorley Lynx RLFC which, like the Magpies, play at Victory Park, owned by Mr Hemmings' TJH Group.

A London-based spokesman for Mr Hemmings told the Citizen: "Chorley Football Club is supported financially by Mr Hemmings under a separate arrangement and this arrangement remains in place.

"Mr Hemmings applauds the club on its successful management and financial well-being."

But he refused to be drawn on the long-term future of the club.

A shock decision by the board of Lynx was made last Thursday and a subsequent announcement said they are losing £1,000 a week and, following the decision of Mr Hemmings to end his backing, the club would cease operating.

The news sparked concern among Magpies supporters that the football club, whose attendances at the Duke Street pitch have been considerably lower than those for the Lynx this season, would also close.

Dave Hindle, the Citizen's football correspondent, said: "There's a genuine fear among supporters about the club's future.

"Some are saying this will be our last season."

Long-time supporter Peter Hale echoed many fans' concerns. He said: "I'm extremely worried, it seems like the whole club is being run down.

"I have been watching the Magpies for more than 20 years and I have never seen the club in such a bad state.

"Lots of people are saying that Victory Park will soon be a housing estate and now Lynx are going, that looks more likely. "

Chris Blackburn, a founder member of supporters' group the Magpies Trust, said: "It is dreadful news about the Lynx and it is a concern to us.

"The budget for the football club has been cut by about 50 per cent this year and the team itself is struggling at the moment.

"But I am hopeful football will stay in the town. If the worse comes to the worst and we have to leave Victory Park I am sure we could find an alternative venue in the borough.

" But I don't think you can blame the current owners for our problems as the football club needs to be able to stand on its feet and not rely on just one rich benefactor."

Chorley FC chairman Ken Wright, however, denied the closure of Lynx would have any repercussions for the football club. He said: "It is sad about the Lynx but they were run totally independently of the football club and they closed because they were unable to work within their budget.

"Our own budget has been tightened this year but we are able to operate within it and as such there is no threat to the football club."

In a statement about Lynx, Mr Hemmings' spokesman added: "Mr Hemmings agreed to financially support Chorley Lynx for a period of three years up until the end of the '03 season.

"Mr Hemmings has pumped more than £150,000 into the club during this period. The club has been aware that the financial arrangement was for three years and had ample time to secure fresh financial/sponsorship support.

"It has not achieved that and that is a matter for the club."

Both Lynx and Magpies operate under Victory Park-based Chorley Sporting Club.