Sittingbourne boss Gary Abbott admits the spirit and unity shown by his players in the wake of their pay being stopped made him change his mind about quitting his job.

Abbott and his squad were told by chairman Andy Spice after Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Eastbourne in Ryman League Division 1 South they would no longer receive payment for their services.

Abbott said: "Andy told us about the costs, the postponements, the run of four away games in a row and just said there was no more money.

"We sort of knew in the back of our minds that it was coming. I wasn’t getting a lot anyway but it’s not a good situation."

He said: "I have to be honest, I was planning to resign after the game at Walton Casuals on Monday night.

"You’re thinking all the players are going to walk away and you’ll be left with a team of 16-year-olds for the rest of the season getting beaten every week and going close to getting relegated.

"But Monday night everyone turned up and fair play to them. They showed such great spirit."

Abbott revealed clubs had already enquired about some of his players, including Tom Bradbrook and Nick Reeves, but added: "I’ve told the boys that they have got to look after themselves but they want to stick together.

"Andy and I have both said there will be no hard feelings if anyone wants to move. We’ll let them go if they want to go."