MARSKE UNITED have been on quite the journey in the last six months - from playing at the highest level the club had ever reached to enduring a financial crisis that threatened the existence of the Seasiders before they managed to claw their way to survival.

In 2021/22 Marske were promoted to the Northern Premier League (NPL) Premier Division for the first time in the club's history, however success came at a cost, with chairman Mark Hastings-Long admitting the financial demands of playing at that level caught up with them.

In December last year, Marske announced their plans to transition to a limited company to help sustainability. The FA learnt of the plans through social media and suspended the club until they found £120,000 to keep their status in the football pyramid. 

Longstanding assistant coach, Nick Ward, said the club went down “every avenue” to raise the funds needed for the club to continue its season, but unfortunately it wasn’t possible and they consequently had to withdraw from the league.

So how did the club get saved?

They managed to raise a remarkable £40,000, which was enough to keep Marske and the club's history alive, kickstarting an ambitious rebuild ahead of the forthcoming season. 

The power of football was truly on-display as people from all over the UK and Europe heard about the story and donated.

A group of Teesside University students have now made a film about Marske's survival and chairman Hastings-Long revealed how the money raised has helped the club erase their debt.

MARSKE UNITED, THE REBUILD: WATCH THE INSIDE STORY OF NON-LEAGUE'S CLUB DRAMATIC SURVIVAL - AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

He said: “All the players got paid every single pound they were owed, we have cleared off all debts, both current and very, very old.

“People have been so appreciative of how we’ve handled ourselves in this difficult situation, and are just so sorry that it’s had to come to this.”

What happens next?

Marske will now face a two division relegation for having to withdraw from their league, with the FA deciding last week that the club will play in Northern League Division One next term.

Marske now want to use their struggles as an opportunity to rebuild and become a sustainable club. They will push for success again and when promotions come around, the club are confident they will be in a much better place to cope with what follows.

Hastings-Long said: “Our ambition now is that we want to be competitive and do the best we can, we are going to do it step by step, keeping the club on a sound financial footing.”

Plans have been in place for many months for next season, with club bosses preparing different budgets depending on which division they were placed in.

The club have assured fans that their budget will be sustained by new and renewed sponsorship deals among many other factors which will help the club stay financially stable.

Marske have also recently announced new head coaches, directors and shareholders, as well as confirming pre-season friendly agreements with the likes of Spennymoor Town, Redcar Athletic and Whitby Town. Excitement is growing ahead of the new journey and Marske bosses are encouraging fans to return to Mount Pleasant.

Ward said: “Come back, we're trying to put out as good a football team as we can for you to enjoy, but more importantly it’s about everyone getting back together.”

Hastings-Long added: “My message to the fans is come back, see the club and what we have done and see the change in attitude. I don’t care what league we are in, we want to be back watching Marske United!”