COUNTY boss Gary Ablett has revealed his backroom staff are paying money out of their own pockets to provide vital equipment for the cash-strapped club.

Goalkeeping coach Paul Gerrard - who only joined the Hatters in the summer - has handed out £1,200 of his own money to buy heart rate monitors, while fitness coach Steve Jones has also paid for sports recovery drinks.

But despite the cash crisis, Ablett, who takes his side to Macclesfield Town's Moss Rose ground tonight to face Torquay United in the FA Cup second round, insists the mood in the Hatters' camp is still very positive.

"I couldn't be happier with the level of commitment that the staff have shown," said Ablett.

"Not only with Paul putting his hand in his pocket for the heart monitors and Steve Jones paying for the recovery drinks, I'm also getting help from contacts I've got within the game.

"The fans have done the same and they're going to provide money for whatever they can."

He added: "Everyone's rallying round and I'm really proud to be involved with what's going on at the club.

"We know it's difficult but I think the commitment of the fans, the staff and the players will determine that we won't see this situation carry on too much longer and we'll give ourselves a chance to benefit from all the positivity that's around the club at the moment."

County entered administration in April and are subject to a transfer embargo by the Football League limiting the club to just 20 first-team players.

Administrators Leonard Curtis admit the level of interest from prospective buyers of the League One club has been `disappointing' but are still hopeful of sealing a deal with a consortium headed by former City striker Jim Melrose.

But the Football League have told the Hatters that they risk losing their league status if they are not out of administration by the time the 2010-11 season kicks off - although it is understood that it is highly unlikely the club would ever be expelled.

And despite the doom and gloom, Ablett insists he will not walk away from the crisis-stricken club and is convinced he is the right man to take County forward.

"I've got no intention of going anywhere," said Ablett. "It's a job I was lucky enough to be given and I think it would show a level of cowardice and immaturity if I was to walk away now. These lads need a guiding figure and I hope I'm providing that.

"It's a difficult situation we find ourselves in but life is difficult. You've just got to try and take the positives out of it and hopefully we'll come out the other side having turned a corner." Tweet