Whitehaven chairman Dick Raaz has denied reports that the Championship club are in administration.

Raaz confirmed cuts have been already made throughout the club, but was adamant that the board of directors would not compromise the business.

"We are not declaring administration," Raaz told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"We are working extremely hard to balance the books, keep the income and expenses matched and ensure the survivability of the club."

Recent developments, including the departures of general manager Nigel Beaty, commercial manager Andrea Fitzsimons and community manager Stacey Gribbin, reflected Raaz's concerns in an interview with BBC Radio Cumbria back in May.

It's looking very grim right now, relegation is certainly possible Whitehaven chairman Dick Raaz

Raaz revealed the issue of gate receipts was a problem for the club, as supporter attendance continues to linger around the 1,000 mark, and poor form on the field has not helped, with 10 straight defeats for the Marras in all competitions.

"It's looking very grim right now, relegation is certainly possible," Raaz added.

"We're sailing financially close to the wind, and the very actions that the board has been taking to address the reduced gates are being interpreted as doom for the future of the club."

Haven are precariously placed in the Championship, lying one place above bottom side Keighley Cougars.

Coach Ged Stokes recently revealed he would be unable to strengthen his squad because of the precarious financial state of the club, while former Hull centre Motu Tony left the club on Tuesday to join rugby union side Nottingham on a one-month trial.

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