Stuart King says he’s ready to help out Herne Bay when needed but is ruling out a full comeback.

The 29-year-old striker came off the bench late on in the 2-2 Ryman League, Division 1 South draw at Chipstead on Tuesday night but says it’s boss Sam Denly’s call when he plays.

King said: “I am good friends with Sam, Bay have a few issues at the moment and players have left.

“I went on at Chipstead (on Tuesday) but I don’t think I touched the ball, apart from a clearing header for a corner.

He added: “I was looking to do a bit of fitness and be available for a couple of midweek games, having effectively retired and never said anything.

“I scored for Whitstable against Bay in a pre-season friendly at Belmont and then walked away into the wilderness.

“It’s up to Sam – if he needs me on the bench, then go on and get something if it drops to me in the box, I will be there.”

Two more players Taser Hassan and Kane Phillip have left the club, as the budget cuts at Winch’s Field continue to impact on Denly’s squad. They follow the departures of Ian Pulman and Danny Walder.

Bay face Walton Casuals at Merstham on Saturday, before second-bottom Three Bridges visit on Tuesday night.

Assistant boss Gavin Theze said: “We want at least four points out of these next two games. We need to dig deep and get to 40/45 points as soon as possible.”