PLAYERS at Macclesfield Town have issued a statement that declares their intention to not play in Saturday's League Two fixture against Crewe Alexandra because of unpaid wages and player welfare.

Swindon Town’s League Two rivals, who are due to host Richie Wellens’ men on the final day of the season, have defied off-field financial difficulties this term to accumulate 23 points from 19 games.

However, the statement – which was issued this morning – claims the squad hasn’t trained in a week and wages for the past month have not been paid.

The above has reportedly reduced the squad’s emotional and mental wellbeing to rock bottom.

Macclesfield include former Swindon Town players Reice Charles-Cook and Jak McCourt.

The statement reads: “As a group we’d like to inform the EFL and Crewe Alexandra Football Club that the game on Saturday won’t be taking place despite growing report that it’s business as usual.

“This is down to the fact that salaries haven’t been paid for last month. We haven’t trained as a squad since last Thursday due to the fact we have no training ground.

“But most importantly, the game can’t go ahead for the emotional and mental wellbeing state of the players which is currently at rock bottom.

“We hope that our own fans who have been tremendous, Crewe fans and the whole of the footballing community can understand this decision with it being such an important month for us all on and off the pitch.”

In addition, the BBC reported yesterday that former Silkmen boss Sol Campbell has backed a bid from HM Revenue & Customs to wind up the club.

Macclesfield will next appear in court on Wednesday, December 18, amid reports that suggest Campbell is owed £180,000 by the club.