ZACH Clough may be tasting the high life in the Championship – but he has not forgotten his roots by helping out Denton Town in their hour of need.
The Cheshire League club issued an appeal to raise £2,500 to make sure it can still exist after the Covid-19 crisis is over.
Forced to shelve its plans to celebrate its centenary, it was particularly uncertain times for Denton Town.
But Nottingham Forest star Clough showed he had not forgotten what had been a huge part of bis life by donating £250 to their effort.
After spending much of his childhood close to Whittle’s Park, and even kicking a ball around there when he was a kid, his gesture did not go unnoticed.
Denton Town chairman Phil Bentley said said shortly before the target was passed with a £1,000 donation from America: “A special mention to Zach, who has never been connected to the club apart from living a few doors away from the ground and using our pitch to hone his skills.
“His very generous donation was probably payment for using the pitch! We are very grateful to everyone who donated especially in these difficult times.
“Denton Town, like most non-league clubs, are going to sink or swim in these uncertain times.
“Like all community groups we want to be there on the other side so normality can prevail.
“I want thank our sponsors who have been brilliant in offering help where needed. Also the crowd funding has been so heart-warming with the generosity of ex-players, current players and the local community. We are grateful we live in great area of Tameside.”
And joint manager Phil Cooper revealed just how difficult this period has been, adding: “The effect is income wise, we haven’t taken anything over the bar since early March!
“We have four teams playing at Whittle’s Park so it all adds up.”
This season was meant to be one of celebration for Denton Town, instead it has turned out one of frustration as centenary plans have been postponed, with the Cheshire League being declared null and void.
But already plans are being made for next season, with nine pre-season games being announced, starting on June 20 against Walshaw Sports of the Manchester League.
Kyle Lord has been brought in as an extra pair of eyes for the management staff and other roles are set to be filled over the summer – and Phil Bentley insisted: “We had prepared for celebrations for our centenary year, these have all been put on hold unfortunately and they will be revised later.
“Denton Town is a stereotypical amateur football club. Reliant on community, local businesses and most of all volunteers. They all strive to keep the club afloat in these uncertain times.
“The committee battles on a daily basis to keep the club ticking over as many an amateur club will empathise with, I am sure.
“Having said that we are always trying to think positively and are hopeful a long-term project may come to fruition in the near future.
“The future of amateur football is in a very precarious position at the moment and new flag bearers are few and far between, so it’s imperative clubs like ours get the resources they need.
“This will hopefully give what was once a staple community habitat a much needed boost.”
Phil Cooper added: “We’re going back as soon as we’re allowed. The more games the better.
“For the upcoming season we’ve added Kyle to the management team and we’re looking to add a goalkeeper coach, physio, social media manager, photographer and kit man.
“All these positions will allow us to push forward. We have had interest in some roles and we’re looking for it to be a big year for us.”