By Hayley Robinson

Former international footballer Michael Hughes has announced he is set to become the new owner of Sittingbourne Football Club.

It was agreed in principle last week that the former West Ham and Crystal Palace football star will take over the running of the club based on the Eurolink industrial estate.

Mr Hughes had approached chairman Andy Spice with a proposal to take over the Brickies in February.

Letters were sent out to club members on Tuesday, March 15, explaining the proposal.

Mr Hughes said: "I am very excited for the opportunity to own Sittingbourne Football Club and continue the hard work already done by the current board. An important factor is to make the club part of the local community and also to attract and develop the local talent within the area.

"Given time I hope to progress the club through the leagues. However, this will obviously be a long term goal.

"No decisions have been made with regards to the football management side of the club."

Mr Spice, who has been at the helm of the club for more than 10 years, said there were still some issues to be sorted out but it was likely the deal would be finalised by the end of May.

The club has been struggling to make ends meet but in January things took a turn for the worse when manager Gary Abbott and his squad were told it couldn't afford to pay them any more as it tried to wipe out its £20,000 debt. Despite this, nobody left.

Mr Abbott believes the takeover could mean his days are numbered at the club.

He said: "I may be wrong but I don't think I'll be at Sittingbourne next year.

"Of course I will be gutted. Andy gave me my first chance in management.

"I need to know [what's happening] as quickly as possible though because there's jobs out there."