CWMBRAN Town could cease to exist unless local businesses are willing to help sole benefactor John Colley (pictured).

Colley, 55, chairman and president of the Welsh Cup finalists and European regulars, last night pleaded to Gwent's commercial sector to help him as he scales down his commitments.

And if Colley fails to get any response, he will retire early from football - following a 32-year association with Cwmbran - and the club will be forced to lose its Welsh Premier status.

Of even more concern, those cash-flow problems could also spell the end for European regulars Cwmbran Town at any level.

"This club has got too big for one man to run," said Colley, still grieving following the death of manager Tony Willcox.

"Having maintained this club for many years, I feel now that the local business community should come on board and help us achieve greater goals. It's very dangerous for any sports club to depend on one backer.

"I'm looking for four or five new businessmen to join the board. There are some big business in Cwmbran and it's time for them to support their local football club.

"I'm sure there are people who care about Cwmbran Town in the local community, but if they don't come forward soon then I'll retire earlier than I planned.

"That could mean the end of this club and that's the last thing I want.

"I don't want to leave this club in the lurch, I want to build a business structure so Cwmbran Town could survive whoever was in charge. It's vitally important that the club is self-sufficient."