Herne Bay have appealed to supporters to help them raise the cash they need to keep their squad together.

Last week joint-manager John Embery revealed several of his players had rebuffed advances by rival clubs offering them more money to leave Winch’s Field.

Bay have responded by putting the players on contract but that move has stretched them financially and treasurer Ron Boddy admits they need outside help.

He said: “Herne Bay Football Club has a group of young, talented players who, without doubt, over the next few years will develop into an exceptional team.

“This fact is recognised by other clubs playing at our level who are continually trying to tempt our players away with offers of higher financial rewards.

“The club has moved to protect the club’s position by placing many of the young players under contract to the club. This, however, comes at a cost.

“The club fixed the playing budget at the start of the season, however as approaches have been made to our players it has been necessary to increase the amount being paid out on a weekly basis.

“This is putting a severe strain on the club’s resources. The budget set was at a level which the club thought was sustainable, however this has had to be revised upwards.

“The need, therefore, is to try to increase the amount of income that is available to cover the playing and management costs.

“We have had an increase in the amount of support that the club has seen at recent home matches, however this is not enough to provide the necessary extra income required to enable the club to protect its position.

“The intention therefore is to set up a ‘players support fund’ by which supporters will be able to donate a weekly amount which will be directed towards supporting the expenses payable to the players to ensure that the squad will be kept together to develop as hoped over the next few years.”

Bay, who are 13th in Bostik South, go to South Park on Saturday before visiting Kent rivals Ashford on Tuesday.