Fylde RFC have "agreements" to keep most of squad for 2020/21

Although the coronavirus crisis ended their National Two North season five games early, Fylde were confirmed as runners-up but missed out on promotion – National Two South’s second-placed team Tonbridge Juddians went up instead thanks to a superior record in their competition.

But head coach Spragg wouldn’t hesitate to back his squad for success next season and he said: “Yes, it’s positive around the place and the reality is we will have a competitive squad going into next season.

“The coaching and playing squad will be much the same. Agreements are in place with the majority of the players but it isn’t really the time (to be finalising those deals).

“The important thing is to sort the club side and make sure that is secure. The RFU are putting measures in place to try to help clubs pay bills.

“We have events in future which will help and the club is looking at everything that is available to support the club in the short term.”

The Woodlands club’s immediate plans to address their loss of revenue include asking members to contribute to an online fund-raising appeal.

And Fylde hope for a financial windfall if events planned to mark the end of their centenary season can be staged in future, including a match against the Barbarians.