Players and staff at a struggling football club have been left counting the cost of a break-in at their ground.

Margate Football Club was burgled last night, losing hundreds of pounds from a safe, along with stock from the bar.

It comes as the club faces an uncertain future, with new chairman Alastair Bayliss admitting that it might not even survive until the end of December.

The club's operations manager and media officer, Ryan Day, revealed the extent of the damage as clear-up efforts began this morning.

He said: "The safe was overturned and broken into, it looks like a blowtorch and drill were used so whoever did it must have known what they were doing.

"Bar stock, including big bottle of spirits, was taken and the rest was all smashed up."

The burglary happened between 10.45pm and 7.40am, and was discovered by groundsman Graham Ives, whose container of equipment was also broken into.

Damage also included the cutting of all telephone lines to the business.

Mr Day said: "Alarms were ripped off the wall and the CCTV link was cut. It looks like a pretty professional job.

"It has been a tough few months and this is really kicking us when we're down" - Ryan Day

"This is devastating for us, the club already has a shortfall of cash and we've had to move players on to other clubs to save money.

"It has been a tough few months and this is really kicking us when we're down."

The team faces St Albans at home tomorrow at the Hartsdown Road ground and staff are working to make sure the ground is ready for visitors.

Mr Day said: "More than ever we need our supporters to rally round and get behind us, and we hope to have a good result on the pitch tomorrow to raise spirits."

Police are investigating the incident and are asking anyone with any information to get in touch on 01843 222289, quoting reference number 09-0194.