GILLINGHAM manager Andy Hessenthaler has spoken of his sympathy for Marcus Browning and Mark Saunders who face the possibility of not having clubs for the start of next season.

Hessenthaler wants to keep both players as part of his squad, but says his hands are tied for financial reasons. “I have been told to balance the books and Marcus and Mark are both out of contract at the wrong time,” he said.

“I feel sorry for them because they both have families, so it's very hard.” Both players have been involved in the club's pre-season preparations and came on as second half substitutes in the 1-0 defeat by Kingstonian on Wednesday.

There is still an outside chance they will remain at Priestfield but only if clubs get something from the ITV deal at a High Court case being brought by the Football League.