THERE'S little in the way of Yuletide spirit at Bromsgrove Rovers with men abandoning ship quicker than Santa performs his seasonal present dropping.

In the last week, Rovers chief executive Pat Bannister has been forced to advertise five key positions at the club.

And no-one would blame Bannister if he drank the bearded one's drop of sherry himself after being hit by THREE hammer blows.

The Christmas crisis began with club secretary Ray Barrow ending his two-year stint at Rovers -- he faxed his resignation last Wednesday.

Reserve team management trio Kevin Broadhurst Alan Williams and physio Bob Philpot quit their roles the following day. They, like Barrow, are believed to be disillusioned over the club's continuing problems, although Broadhurst and Philpot may continue at the Victoria Ground in a coaching capacity.

To wrap things up, first team physio Pete O'Connell has called it a day and retires from his post in mid-January.

CATALOGUE OF DISASTERS

The resignations are the latest in a catalogue of disasters to hit cash-strapped Rovers.

George Rooney stepped down as manager of the first team in October while chairman David McQueen quit his post last month.

But there is some good news on the horizon. Lancaster City's appeal to have their FA Trophy second round tie with Rovers replayed was thrown out by an FA committee on Monday. Bromsgrove have been rapped with a £250 fine after three players wore different shirt numbers to the team sheet.

Talking about Barrow's departure, Bannister said: "It's a great loss to the club -- he did a lot of good work for us but I'm disappointed at his timing because we needed him to represent the club at the FA hearing.

"I expect people to be loyal to the club but if they're not, maybe they're better off leaving because we need people here who are committed.

"We've got problems but I'm prepared to stay and carry on. We're not far from turning the corner.

"I know how important it is to keep the club going. We just need to get enthusiastic and positive people involved."

Bannister is looking for a new company secretary, a matchday secretary, a reserve team manager and physios for both the firsts and reserves.

If you think you fit the bill, contact Simon Bannister at the commercial office on 07957 141468 or (01527) 876949.

Meanwhile,the winding up petition issued against Rovers has been adjourned until Monday January 8. In the run up to this, Bannister has urged fans to buy £1 shares in the supporters' trust. Contact either of the numbers above to pledge your support.

l Rovers' match away to Gloucester City this Saturday has been abandoned because of a waterlogged pitch. The first team take on Boldmere Reserves in a friendly instead.