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One of Cheltenham's main financial backers has departed the club, leaving a major hole in their budget.
Simon Keswick, who was named 12th on the football rich list last week, has helped to prop the club up for the last four years. Chairman Paul Baker told the press:
"Next season the board are going to have to be very astute and prudent in considering our playing budget, but we will continue to do everything we can to stay in League One. The budget will have to be lower and it will be the toughest challenge we have been engaged in for quite a while. Losing Simon is a blow, but we are still viable and few clubs make a profit.
"Simon has made a significant investment in the club which has helped it to achieve promotion to Football League One, and to retain that status. He will be sorely missed."
The club expects to make a six-figure loss this season, but would lessen losses by beating Doncaster in the FA Cup next week.
