CHAIRMAN David Keyte insists there is a bright future for Hereford United despite the current cash crisis.

The Edgar Street club need to come up with around £135,000 by Tuesday to cover player wages, PAYE and VAT bills.

Failing to do so could result in HM Revenue and Customs beginning winding-up proceedings against the Blue Square Bet Premier outfit.

However, Keyte says that can be avoided if fans buy their season tickets early, with a target of 300 sales by Wednesday, May 15 being set. Last season, 750 were sold in total.

The United chief also reckons the ground developments and the possible issue of share and debenture schemes to raise revenue provide reasons for optimism.

Keyte said: “There is a major short-term cash-flow shortfall.

“But our financial predictions, in particular for season tickets, showed that if we sell 300 in our 10 per cent discount scheme by May 15, we would generate enough cash to cover the main bills, which are the PAYE and the VAT.

“We hope that we can still achieve that.

“I remain committed to the club because I can see that the medium to longer term future is brighter than what we have been through in the last 18 months.

“I’m confident of the club’s success in the medium to long term. In the short term, half the problem can be overcome by the normal summer sales of season tickets.”

Dropping out of the Football League saw Hereford’s funding cut from £750,000 to £250,000 and they will have only £50,000 from the Football Conference next season.