Ron ToppSWINDON Town's stadium manager has saluted stewards who have come to the cash-strapped club's aid with a 'tremendous gesture'.

At a time when gates are falling, winding-up orders are being fought off and staff paid late, Ron Topp has pointed to the commitment and loyalty still demonstrated to the club by a band of dedicated followers.

Around 20 stewards have volunteered to go without pay at the Port Vale game at the County Ground on February 23.

Instead, the money saved will be poured into a match ball sponsorship package.

Mr Topp came up with the idea but had no idea how it would be received.

He said: "I mentioned the idea to a few of the stewards and stressed that they were under no obligation whatsoever to say yes.

"They said 'put my name down Ron' and then throughout the day I had phone calls from others asking if they could join in.

"Some of these lads travel from Bristol for example so they're paying for their petrol and working for nothing. I think it's tremendous.

"It really tops up your faith that there are people who care deeply about this football club.

"As I said, it is a tremendous gesture. In return we'll have the stewards lined up on the pitch for a photograph before the game, maybe throw in a few tickets for a sporting dinner and I might even buy them a pint in the Winners Lounge."

Steward Chris Kikland said: "It's a gesture to help the club. We don't want to see it fold.

"We're concerned that action needs to be taken and this is all we can do, hopefully others will follow.

"This is the club's time of need. The people who work at the club are extremely loyal and want to see it prosper."

Director Bob Holt has also applauded the stewards' generosity.

He said: "It is a very nice gesture by these stewards and one much appreciated."

Their promise comes as Swindon Town should finally banish the spectre of the tax man today.

A winding up petition filed by HM Customs and Excise was expected to be officially withdrawn after a £600,000 VAT bill was finally paid.

But office and playing staff are still waiting for this month's salary to be paid.

They may have to wait a little longer because the club had its bank accounts frozen as part of the winding-up order.

Director Bob Holt can see light at the end of the tunnel, it is just that it will take a little longer than expected to reach the daylight.

He said: "The staff at the club have been very tolerant and I'd like to thank them for that.

"Unfortunately the bank will not free-up our funds until the court decision is formally received by them in black and white.

Hopefully that will be the case by next week."