Whitehaven coach Kyle Amor calls on fans to support club

The club has been facing serious difficulties both on and off the field, and these coming weeks could be the West Cumbrian side's last chance for survival. 

Rugby league has been a focal part of life in the area for generations and Amor, amongst many others, doesn't want to see the sport decline. 

Amor took over as head coach on August 19 following the resignation of Jonty Gorley after Whitehaven's game against Doncaster on August 18. 

Mr Gorley said at the time that he was pleased with the squad he had assembled towards the end of his tenure but said "I can't be at the club anymore."

Whitehaven wrap up the Bullls' Jorge Taufua (Image: Ben Challis Sports Photography)

Speaking last week, Kyle Amor said: "No matter what relationship you have with the club, if you're a rugby league person you should come down and show your support. 

"They had every excuse to throw the towel in; playing busted, playing with no numbers, in a fractured and toxic atmosphere between the board and the players, they still turned out because they wanted to see rugby league survive."

Amor said that issues with leadership and management at the club have caused poor communication between the board and players.

He believes that if the club can make changes to its structure during the off-season this could help attract better financial support.

Mr Amor continued: "My message is to get down and support that; forget your relationship with the club, I know that we have a loyal fan base but I'm asking for people further afield to show their support.

"It would be an absolute shame for this club to go under and it might just be too little too late for the club to react then."

Joey Romeo's catch set up Curtis Teare's try (Image: Ben Challis Sports Photography)

Whitehaven currently stands in twelfth position in the Betfred Championship Table, with only Swinton Lions and Dewsbury Rams below them. 

Relegation could be a possibility for the club following a tough 0-40 defeat at the Ortus Rec in a game against York City Knights.

Whitehaven have four games left this season as they take on Wakefield Trinity, Barrow Raiders, Batley Bulldogs, and then their final home game against Halifax Panthers.

How they compete in these matches will determine whether or not they'll remain in the Championship.

If they remain in twelfth position this will see them in a play off against a League 1 side that could see them relegated.

If they fall lower in the table this will undoubtedly mean relegation for Whitehaven.

Amor continued: "There's been a lot of turmoil that's gone on for the last couple of years and it's got us to this place now.

Jake Maizen (Image: Ben Challis Sports Photography)

"I think it's quite good that it's happened now. Although it's quite stressful for everyone involved, it's probably the best thing to have happened because it helps us to understand the serious challenges that we have. 

"The short-term goal is winning as many games as we can to stay up in the Championship, the medium is to sit down with the board, pull together a business plan, communicate this to all stakeholders, and look to attract new investors in order for this club to start progressing and not just survive. 

"I don't sit here and profess to know where the land of rugby league lies but I know there will be changes in the coming season, and I don't think there will be a third tier in the distant future. 

Owen McCarron's try was controversially chalked off by referee Matty Lynn (Image: Ben Challis Sports Photography)

"I think it will go back to being amateur and create a two-tier competition. The challenge is if we want to be a part of that and if we can't fulfil the fixtures going forward and get a viable solution on how to run a business here, then the Rugby League won't grant a license for the professional game in this town. 

"This would be a travesty for a couple of reasons. For me personally, this club in my hometown gave me a platform for what I ended up achieving in the game. It's also the town's identity, the generations before us were hardworking miners.

"Rugby League followed with that back when the club first opened its gates back in 1948. We've already lost one part of our identity and I think we're close to losing another which would be a shame. 

Edene Gebbie breaks through the Trinity line (Image: Ben Challis Sports Photography)

"I need people to understand how serious it is. I've spoken with the RFL over the last couple of days and there has to be a short, medium, and long-term goal. 

"We need to get through this season no matter what because otherwise there is no start for the seasons ahead."

Amor is urging supporters and those affiliated with the club to show their support by coming along and supporting them on match days. 

Whitehaven's poor financial situation and dwindling numbers through the turnstiles have been well documented and it is hoped that getting more people through the gates at their upcoming home game will help to alleviate the club's troubles.