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Tonbridge players volunteered to defer their wages to help ease the club’s financial problems – but the offer was declined.
A number of players approached manager Steve McKimm in light of a statement released by Angels outlining their financial plight.
They have played only twice at home this year due to drainage problems, with Tuesday’s twice-rearranged game against Wealdstone the latest to be called off.
It’s costing them crucial match day income and they are now exploring the possibility of playing home matches at alternative venues, with the National League set to assess Angels’ pitch today (Thursday).
They’re due to host Eastbourne Borough on Saturday and Maidstone on Tuesday.
Chairman Dave Netherstreet wrote to stakeholders last week, saying “the club requires a minimum of £7,600 per week to continue through to the end of the season” and appealing for help.
Angels players offered to do their bit but the club will continue to pay them.
“The chairman’s said it won’t affect the players in terms of monies and stuff because the club are working hard to sort it out,” said McKimm.
“A few of the players actually came to me and offered to defer their wages which is unbelievable really.
“They just said don’t worry about our money, when it comes, it comes, which I thought was a great offer.
“The chairman put their minds at rest by telling me that wasn’t an issue but it’s pleasing to know that players will do that. It speaks volumes of the squad I’ve got.”
McKimm said it was “concerning” to read the statement but he’s taken heart from the response and Angels continue to do well on the pitch.
Back-to-back away wins have lifted them up to 16th with Joe Turner’s 86th-minute strike earning a 1-0 victory at Dulwich last weekend.
McKimm said: “It was concerning but the chairman put our minds at rest because there were a load of supporters who came together on the Friday.
“There’s a lot of stuff that a lot of people have to worry about and they’re doing a great job.
“One way or another we’re just concentrating on the football and trying to remain in the league.
“Since the turn of the year, we’ve played six out of eight games away. Before the turn of the year, our away form was terrible, we hadn’t won a game.
“On that, we should be bottom of the league but the boys have shown great character to get three away wins.
“There’s plenty of time to get these home games played.
“We’re only three behind, which are Wealdstone, Hampton and Maidstone.
“If we get a week or 10 days of dry weather our pitch does dry out quickly so it could soon turn around but we’re directed by the league. We’ll have to see what they say.
“We’ve still got enough weeks to get the games in. If you look at the fixtures, there’s loads of games off, not just us.
“Just because we’re in the National League, does that mean you have to play every week and can’t have a postponement?”
A special owners’ meeting takes place in the executive lounge at Longmead tonight (Thursday) to discuss the way forward.
