Sittingbourne have admitted that the club’s finances have reached “crisis point” and they can no longer afford to pay the players and management.

The bleak weather has been the final straw for the hard-hit club who have for some time suffered from dwindling attendances.

A statement from chairman Andy Spice (pictured) and the committee said: “The committee have not taken this decision lightly, but has decided that unless drastic action is taken now, the club could face serious financial problems by the end of the season.

“The club has struggled to pay its way for a number of years but this year the situation has hit crisis point.

“The poor weather hasn’t only meant games being cancelled but has also led to the cancellation of a number of private functions which would have been held in the run up to Christmas and the New Year and usually help to supplement income.

“Last year, FA and Trophy Cup games contributed approx. £13K in income via prize money and revenue created by the extra games. This year’s lack of success in these competitions has cost us.”

Boss Gary Abbott was still able to field a full team against Walton Casuals on Monday, despite him and his players being told of the cuts, but the club don’t know how long people will stick around.

The statement added: “At this stage it is still unclear which of the players/management will be leaving or staying.

“The committee understands that some may not be in a position to stay without wages and wishes all players and management well, whatever decision they make.”