AS CRISIS talks continue in a bid to maintain Margate's status as one of Kent’s top soccer sides there was call for everyone involved to rally round.

As supporters, management and staff ponder the future of the 106-year-old club, it’s future in the Conference looks exceedingly uncertain.

Thanet council last Thursday withdrew support for the planned £5 million redevelopment of the Hartsdown Park stadium which is critical for it to remain in that league.

Council leader Cllr Sandy Ezekiel, who met club vice chairman Keith Piper on Monday, said: "This council has always made clear its support for Margate Football Club. However, we have also stated on many occasions that we must be assured of the long term viability of the project, as we are a public body and accountable to our taxpayers."

A statement issued on behalf of the club said: “The club moves into what could be the final period of its history and it does so with its chairman (Jim Parmenter) having resigned. This will bring even more pressure for those remaining to fight the cause.

“Those who are left are fully committed and will continue until the battle is won and the project is underway.

“This is a time when everyone who loves our club should pull together and not attempt to undermine the work that everyone connected with the stadium project is dedicated to.”