EBBW VALE number eight Will Thomas, pictured, has pleaded 'Don't derail our squad' as the club's board of directors go into a meeting today which will decide their future.

The all-important board meeting is at the Aberdare training headquarters after which the players will be informed if Ebbw Vale are to remain in existence and, if so, whether there will have to be cuts. That will be followed by a Press conference.

Vale chief executive Tony Dilloway says the solution offered by the WRU to the financial problems which are threatening their existence will involve major restructuring.

That is where Thomas makes his plea to the board.

"I hope the club keep all its players, then we can be competitive and win a few more games," he said.

"But it will be disheartening if we have to lose some of our best players.

"I've been worrying about that because all the work we've put in to try to re-establish ourselves among the top teams could fall apart."

If Ebbw Vale must make cuts to survive Thomas would be snapped up quickly.

He has been linked with three 'gang of six' Welsh clubs, but is under contract to Ebbw Vale.

He admits: "A few of the boys have had sleepless nights. I feel for those with mortgages to pay and families to support who may be coming to the end of their careers because they may not be able to find another club.

"But the boys have still been quite professional with their attitude in training, getting on with the job and working hard.

"I'm just glad to train because it takes my mind off it all. But we'll know for certain what's happening today."