A LOCAL football club owner wants to thank residents for their support in installing three new cabins following a public appeal for funds after the roof of the team’s clubhouse collapsed.

Pete Goodlad, the owner of Athersley Rec, has been inundated with funds and public support after fears for the club’s future when its 17-year-old roof fell in and destroyed the cabin below.

Pete told the Chronicle: “The response to our initial post has been incredible.

“Residents have really rallied around us and volunteered their time and money to help us survive.

“Last weekend, three new cabins were fitted at the ground thanks to everyone’s generous donations.

“It’s now a case of stripping them down and getting them prepped and ready for the team.

“There’s still a lot of work to do including fitting the electric and getting everything moved in properly, but things are looking good.”

Pete has been overwhelmed with public support and hopes final repairs will be done for the start of the new football season in September.

“I was really concerned at first, we’re not in the financial position to deal with these types of damages.

“But some people volunteered to help with jobs around the ground and with some simpler repairs, the players have been raising money by doing a sponsored bike ride, and our auction of memorabilia raised more than £3,000.

“I can’t tell you how overwhelmed I am with the public’s support and I can’t thank them enough.

“The support has helped us overcome this huge obstacle, and hopefully we’ll be up and running for next season in September.”