Dewsbury Rams to be hit with £40,000 central funding cut in 2021

A large part of the reduction in funds comes through a rebate from Sky following the disruption to the rugby league campaign caused by Covid-19.

The club also dropped down a place in the number of members on OurLeague, which lost them just under £5,000.

The Rams placed 11th for crowds, with all three factors amounting to the five-figure cut in funds.

However, chairman Mark Sawyer insists the playing budget will stay the same as Dewsbury are in a sound financial position despite a challenging year.

“With the playing budget, the distribution money for Dewsbury next year has dropped by £40,000,” confirmed Sawyer.

“The vast percentage for the reason for the drop is because of a claw-back from Sky, if you want to call it, last year.

“It is also due partly to us dropping down one position on OurLeague members. We had a £4,400 deduction for that.

“It is also because we were 11th for crowds, so the three things put together has resulted in us losing £40,000 next year.

“However, with how we have dealt with things, and one or two other little income streams coming in - and the help of furlough - we are in a position to keep the budget exactly where it was.”

He added: “The club is in a very sound position and I intend to keep it there.”

Sawyer is also chief executive at Bradford Bulls, who are applying for a place in Super League next year.

He revealed he intends to step down from his role with the Bulls when possible and insisted that any backing he has given the Rams has not been hindered by his involvement at Bradford.

“I am intending to step down as chief executive at Bradford as soon as Covid clears up a little bit more and I can appoint a staff structure to run Bradford,” he said.

“I have no intentions of being chief executive at Bradford any longer than the club needs me.

“If I am involved in anything, I will not do half a job. I can assure fans this has no effect on the work I am doing at Dewsbury.

“Any of the funding that has gone in at Bradford has not come from funding that may have been put in at Dewsbury.

“Behind the scenes we are doing all sorts to push Dewsbury forward in what has been a very testing time for businesses.

“I am giving 100 per cent for Dewsbury and I will continue to do that.”

Bradford will find out if they have been successful in their bid to join the top flight on Wednesday.