It is over 90 per cent certain that a team from Guernsey will not be playing in the Kent League next season after the organisers behind it admitted they hadn’t got the cash to fund the plan.

Guernsey Athletics wanted to enter the competition and pay for teams to fly to and from the Channel Island for matches but the economic downturn has hampered attempts to find sponsorship before the deadline of the end of the month.

Now they are almost certain to have to wait until next year to mount a new bid to join the league- when it is hoped the financial climate will be less severe.

Athletics are hoping to take part in a UK cup competition, and still harbour hopes of being involved in some form of football in the county.

Commercial director James Blower says: “We have been approached by some of the Kent League clubs already with a view to coming over and playing friendly games in Guernsey.

“I think it’s highly likely we’ll have a programme of friendly games next season.”