Tom Watkins spoke of his admiration for the Telford Tigers players after they shrugged off the club’s off-ice issues to beat Basingstoke Bison 3-1 on Sunday.

That result followed a 7-3 success in Hull on against the Pirates on Saturday, as the Tigers retained their place at the top of the EPL.

Watkins said: “It’s a very difficult situation to manage right now, as none of us have been paid for a number of weeks.

“They are playing for free and putting their bodies on the line. They could potentially pick up an injury that ends their season.

“Thankfully we haven’t got any serious injuries, but this is their career and their livelihood. It’s the same for me – we do this for a living.

“I’ve got huge admiration for the players and staff that keep coming to work with a smile on their face. It is tough and I won’t lie. It isn’t an easy ride, but hopefully we’ll get some better news this week.

“I think the fact that we’ve still got a full team here says a lot about the team spirit we have.

“It would be very easy for guys just to walk away right now, but again I tip my hat to them.

“Right now they’re doing their all to try and give those people that are interested in running the club an opportunity to run the club.”

(Image permission: Steve Brodie)