CASH-strapped Swindon Town is so desperate for money that it is asking supporters to donate equipment to spruce up the stadium in time for the new season.

Today club bosses revealed a wish list of items ranging from goal nets and computers to table linen and Post-it notes.

Funds are so low that groundsmen have been using a domestic mower to keep the pitch in shape until an industrial lawnmower was recently loaned by a shop.

Swindon Town's long-term financial problems have meant the County Ground has not been refurbished in nine years and is in dire need of a facelift.

The club was saved from almost certain liquidation in April after the High Court agreed to allow it to enter into an unprecedented second period of administration. It has also been hit by the uncertainty created by the collapse of ITV Digital.

Club director Nick Prescott said staff at the ground have been making do with limited resources. He thinks now is the time to make the club an attractive place for supporters and visitors.

He said: "We shouldn't have to make do. We have just been going without so far. The groundsmen didn't have a lawnmower and the goal nets are worn not through Swindon Town scoring lots of goals though!

"The heads of department are struggling to run things because of lack of basic equipment like stationary. The principle behind the appeal is to recognise the plight of the club. If the club can't lean on the people of Swindon to help out in a crisis then what hope have we got?"

Businesses who donate equipment will be acknowledged as official suppliers in club literature.

Derek Belcher, managing director of Handy Garden Machinery based in the Wyevale Garden Centre, loaned the club a lawnmower.

He said: "Everyone in the town should get behind the club."

The club is also appealing for volunteers, like painters and decorators, to carry out a variety of tasks at the County Ground. John Prescott, 55, a retired BT manager and Nick's father, is co-ordinating the appeal. Anyone who can help should contact him on 07884 014898 or email johnprescott1@hotmail.com

Swindon Town was given a lifeline by the High Court in April when it was allowed to enter into a second period of administration.

At a meeting in May creditors agreed to a repayment plan which will see them receive about 24p in every pound owed to them over the next five years.

Town are expected to come out of administration in the next couple of weeks.