JOHN WILKINSON has revealed how he nearly quit as Lincoln United boss – to help plug the gap left by dwindling numbers of volunteers at Ashby Avenue.

In a startlingly honest interview, the popular Whites manager explained how he contemplated stepping down to assist the club behind the scenes because of a lack of unpaid help.

Chairman John Dolan rebuffed the idea, however, claiming it would be a backwards step for the Evo-Stik Division One (South) club who have enjoyed an encouraging start to the season.

But such is the strain created by a lack of volunteer help at Ashby Avenue, that Wilkinson is also acting as secretary – and even washed the players' kit this weekend.

"Not only am I having to contend with picking the team, but I'm finding myself not being able to concentrate on my role as manager," said Wilkinson, who is in his third spell as Whites boss.

"We do not have a secretary at the moment and that's a role I am also filling. And because we had a game last night, I even found myself washing the kit at home at the weekend.

"It's getting to the stage now that if I am not careful I could easily end up working a seven-day week.

"The lack of volunteers makes it very hard. I told the chairman I would step down to help out because it's much easier to find a manager than to find unpaid help to assist the club.

"It was not an act of heroism, but one I felt would benefit the club. But the chairman said that would be a backwards step and that we would try to find people to come and lend a hand.

"In fairness, the situation has been like this for some time and people who were in various roles have either grown too old or departed because of other circumstances.

"Ultimately, we are paying the price. and it's stopping the club from making progress. That is something we want to put right."

The former Grantham manager now hopes that revealing United's plight may prompt volunteers to take up a number of roles at the club.

As well as a secretary, the Whites are looking for treasurer, press officer, match-day reporter and helpers.

The roles are unpaid, but Wilkinson believes the 'carrot' to interested parties is a unique chance to be a part of a football club.

"There is a great camaraderie here at Ashby Avenue and this is certainly an opportunity to be a part of that," he said.

"I understand that people may be put off by the fact it's only on a volunteer basis and that it's time out of their schedules, but how often do people get the chance to work at a football club?

"Most of the jobs at League clubs are given to ex-players now.

"But there are a variety of roles here and if we will fill them, then it's a chance to move forward and help the club progress.

"We would love to hear from anybody who think they may be able to offer their assistance.

"So if there is anybody out there, please do get in touch."

Anybody wishing to talk to Lincoln United about the positions should e-mail Wilkinson on john.wilk@live.co.uk

Meanwhile, United's under-18s side are at home at Ashby Avenue to Retford this evening. Kick-off is at 7.45pm.