EBBW Vale fans are "devastated" that the rugby club faces being wound up as a business tonight.

The club is in dire straits financially with a projected £350,000 deficit for next season - and today is D-day as directors are due to meet today.

The Welsh Rugby Union has been consulting its lawyers over the weekend about whether to bail the club out - as it has done for Neath, Llanelli and Pontypridd in the past.

It is due to make an announcement tonight - but the Argus understands the future looks bleak.

People in the town said they have already lost the soccer club and, with the recent closure of Ebbw Vale steelworks there will be nothing.

Steve Young, owner of Country Choice fruit and veg shop in Ebbw Vale and a sponsor of the club, said Vale has a "tremendous following".

"Considering the size of the town, we have the best following in Welsh rugby. There are much bigger towns with a much poorer showing at matches", he said.

And Pamela Morgan, of Tredegar Road, Ebbw Vale, added: "People will be distraught if they have no rugby to look forward to. Everyone here loves it".

* In the picture: Eugene Cross park, home of the Steelmen.