Hopes high for investors to step in and save Telford Tigers

The club, based at Telford Ice Rink, has got two weeks to clear clear debts of £500,000 or go into administration.

The Tigers' owner Telford Ice Sports Ltd has appointed Darlington-based Robson Scott Associates, a business insolvency firm, to begin the process of a creditors voluntary liquidation.

Jill Boswell, a pensioner, of Lawnswood Malinslee, Telford, said: " It's a shame that they are at risk of going under because they've been going for years.

"We used to know some of the players, but I don't follow the ice hockey now.

" I'm not surprised that the Telford Tigers are in trouble because I'm not sure many local people follow the team.

"We've got kids and grandchildren, but they don't show any interest in the sport."

Her husband Gerald added: "I hope the team will pull through all right. It would be nice if the younger kids in the area got involved."

Tony Sekham, 40, of Webb Crescent , Dawley, Telford, said: "It would be a shame if Telford Tigers went out of business they're a top team.

"The fact that they are here is good for the community.

"Ice hockey is good entertainment and something good for families to get involved with. I have a friend who plays for the Telford Spartans team which is also based at the ice rink and I have been to watch them."

Fiona Marshall, 32, a support worker, of Darliston, Hollinswood, Telford, said: "I hope that they survive because the club is good for the community.

"I know someone who used to play for the team.

"I went to watch them play and they have quite a good scrap at the matches."

Les Ransom, 73, of Tong, Shropshire, said: "I heard about the problems that the Tigers are having.

"My daughter Julie used to go and watch them when she was younger which was many moons ago. My understanding of the situation is that they have no assets. If that's the case then they are in deep trouble. They'll have to get a begging bowl out like AFC Telford United to drum up some cash.

" If the hockey team does fold you are only losing the team, but not the actual ice rink which belongs to the council."

Kyle Beddows, 20, unemployed, of Roberts Drive, Dawley, Telford, said: "It will be a sad day if the club goes because a lot of people around here enjoy ice hockey.

"I don't go the matches because I can't afford the ticket at the moment, but I think it needs to be promoted more to get more people interested in it."

Many club supporters took to social media after the Shropshire Star broke news of crisis at the Tigers.

Michelle Hayhurst posted: "Sad, sad day! Pray for investors to keep our club alive and roaring on."

The team is due play away at Hull Pirates on Saturday and at home to Basingstoke Bison at Telford Ice Rink on Sunday, although a final decision will be made later this week.