Russ Eagle had a change of heart after initially agreeing to become the new manager of Retford
Only a referee will stop Retford United having a team out at Barton Town Old Boys tonight.
After an incredible 24 hours at the Toolstation NCEL Premier Division club, Rich Williams is set to take a patched-up side east, unless the expected snow intervenes.
Following Paul Ward’s sacking, Retford appointed Russ Eagle as their new manager on Sunday.
However, Eagle had a change of heart after a meeting on Monday evening and that triggered the exits of the first team committee which ran the club.
Retford initially told the NCEL that would not be able to fulfil the fixture – a claim later retracted by the club’s supporters’ club which has rallied to try save them.
Ward’s assistant Williams, who actually resigned on Monday, has stepped into the breach and has cobbled together a team.
In a statement published on the Retford website last night, Williams said: “I have spoken with the 1st team squad today and also had inquiries from a couple of players who may like to come on board.
“The response from the players has been outstanding and the reactions of all have been very positive.
“I can confirm that we will field a side at Barton Town tomorrow tonight providing the weather doesn’t intervene.
“Further to this meetings will be held over the course of the week to help us to stabilise the club and be able to complete the season, further announcements will be forthcoming.
“The Supporters Club and myself are currently working very hard to make sure that Retford United survives.
“During the course of the afternoon I have spoken to the NCEL secretary Brian Gould and Barton Town secretary Pete Mitchell to reassure them both that the club will play tomorrow Both parties have been outstandingly supportive of our situation.
“I would also like to place on record my thanks to Brian Gould and David Morrell of the NCEL, Barry Crownshaw, David Clarke and Stephen Hall of the North Midlands Development League and the many others who have offered their support to help the club through this difficult time.
“The actual response to the situation has been outstanding with two people confirming that they would like to help the club with sponsorship and offers of support in terms of coaching and development.
“The club must also put on record its thanks to Dan Keeton, Annie Knight and Jon Knight for their outstanding commitment and dedication to the club and their work as the first team committee which has been supported recently by Graham Slesser.
“We wish them well in their future endeavours and will always welcome them to Cannon Park warmly in the future.
“The supporters club and I are determined that the club will come through this, the players have shown tremendous loyalty and we know that the supporters will back the club as they always have.
“We must now all pull together for the future of Retford United.”