THE state of senior football in Kent is being discussed today (Thursday) by clubs representing every level of the soccer pyramid from Gillingham down.

The meeting, in Chatham, has been organised by the Kent County FA, who set up a working party a year ago to look into the health of senior football within the county's boundaries.

Kent County FA chief executive Keith Masters says his personal view is that Kent soccer is in "a fairly healthy state," but admits there are concerns, most notably about some clubs' long-term financial future.

He says his hope is that the meeting will give clubs the chance to say how they think things could be improved.

Mr Masters explained: "The working party was set up to look into senior soccer and is charged to report at the end of the season. "We have invited selected clubs to come and meet with us to discuss certain points which have yet to be formulated.

"We recognise there are problems, and the one thing all senior football clubs need is the one thing we can't give them - money.

What we can do is try to assist and support them and this is an opportunity for them to tell us how they think we could be helping.

"We want clubs to be frank, but we don't want people using this as a mud-throwing exercise. That won't get us anywhere."

Doug Gillard, chairman of the Dr Martens League, will chair the meeting at which representatives from Gillingham FC will be joined by Kent clubs from the Nationwide Conference, Dr Martens League and Bass Brewers Kent League.

Whitstable reserve team manager Dave McFall is an outspoken critic of the Kent County FA and he says he is disappointed the meeting has not been thrown open to all clubs. He would like to see the county run one, big strong league as well as seeing the Kent Senior Cup restored to past glories with Charlton, Millwall, and Gillingham all competing with full-strength teams.

He said: "Football is all about supporters but you only have have to look at the statistics every Saturday to see that people aren't watching games. Kent is one of the highest populated areas in the country but we're not making the most of that fact.

"Let's operate within our own boundaries, and stick together which would help generate support and income. Too many clubs rely on sponsorship. They don't generate their own income, and that's where the KCFA could come in. They should be helping clubs to get their infrastructre right.

"At the moment the money is going to players when it should be spent on making sure facilities and the like are right."

Dartford manager Tommy Sampson has welcomed the meeting and says he believes a rethink about the way the Kent League is structured should be high on the agenda.

He said: "The last strong Kent League was when Herne Bay and Folkestone Invicta were fighting for the championship and we beat them in front of 1,600 supporters at Cheriton Road. Even when I won the title with Deal a couple of years ago it was not as hard as it should have been. We only played 34 games and now they're down to 30.

"The league has lost its credibility, but I'm not sure it's all the clubs' fault. I think the management are a bit naive at times."