Deal Town boss Derek Hares remains focused on football ahead of Monday’s meeting which could shape the future of the club.

The boardroom power struggle which has blighted the club for more than six months is set to come to a head on May 31 with the conclusion of an FA inquiry into the respective arguments of two parties claiming to have control of the club.

The result is certain to have a direct impact on Hares, with one party likely to keep him on for an eighth year in the hot-seat at the Charles Sports Ground, should they be given control, although if the rival faction is awarded control, then Hares could find himself out of a job.

Hares said the wrangling was directly affecting planning for next season on and off the field.

He said: "I have spoken to a few people about coming here next season but we have not got anything concrete at the moment.

"The problem is that I’m waiting on the budget for the new season. Hopefully after the 31st, I will get that and we can start looking ahead.

"Everything is in a kind of limbo at the moment. To be honest, I’m looking forward to it being over so we can start to get back to the football."

Deal have begun to plan for the new campaign in one respect with home friendly dates against Whitstable Town on July 27 and Ashford Town on July 30.