Maidstone United have taken the extraordinary step of furloughing their entire first team squad - and are searching for replacements prepared to play for free.

The National League side said they were 'devastated' to have had to make the decision, but added the lack of financial support during the pandemic had left them with no choice.

Stones have been playing behind closed doors but had been expecting a rescue package to help make up the shortfall in revenue caused by the absence of fans.

Manager Hakan Hayrettin said tonight that the club would immediately begin searching for players prepared to turn out for free to allow them to fulfil their fixtures.

He added he had also been forced to let assistant manager Terry Harris go.

He added: "We, like many other clubs, put our trust in the powers that be to deliver a viable funding package whilst fans were absent.

"That was the basis on which clubs agreed to start the season. Sadly, as we all now know, that has not happened and so the club has been left with no choice but to furlough all first team players and reduce expenditure to an absolute minimum in order to ensure our survival.

"Simply failing to fulfil fixtures may not be a viable option should the clubs vote to continue the season and the league confirms it will sanction clubs who refuse to do so.

"As a result, we are now beginning the process of recruiting players who will play at no cost to the club, so that we can put out a team and avoid those fines.

"Everyone at the club is devastated that we have been forced to take this step.

"Those in decision making positions at the National League and DCMS (Department for Culture, Media and Sport) ought to take a long hard look at themselves.

"We now have a situation where the cost to government has increased via furlough, and the sporting integrity of our league is now undoubtedly compromised.

"Some clubs have said they will be unable to fulfil fixtures at all, others will take similar steps to us, which will inevitably have an impact on the competitiveness of the sides that will be fielded.

"As manager of this club, I feel most for my players and staff and of course our fans. We have a great group of lads and I have an incredibly dedicated staff.

"I’m very sad to say that today’s announcement means that we are not able to retain Terry Harris at this time. Terry has been a crucial part of my team and I sincerely hope circumstances allow him to re-join us in due course.

"We have been and continue to be determined to bring success to this club, but we all know that its future survival is of paramount importance.

"This situation is not of our club’s making and should never have been allowed to happen but my staff and I will do all we can to ensure the club survives to fight another day.

"To our fans, I ask you to stick with us as you’ve done until now. Your support is more important today than perhaps at any time since 1992."

Stones were due to be playing away at Essex side Braintree Town tomorrow but the game has been postponed because of snow. They currently lie tenth in the Vanarama National League South.

• Stones chief executive Bill Williams: It's a difficult decision