Hythe Town players are staying loyal as the club attempt to attract new investment.

The Cannons released a statement last week appealing for help after revealing a donor had withdrawn their backing.

There’s been a positive response, according to boss Steve Watt, after a deadline of November 8 was set for backers to come forward.

Without fresh income, Hythe, who operate debt-free, would be forced into a budget cut.

“I told the players the situation and said you’ve got two options,” said Watt, who is recovering from a knee operation.

“I said I won’t be going anywhere, so you can either stay or you can go and find yourselves another club if you want and no one would blame you if you wanted to pursue other options.

“Everyone agreed to stay and see what happened, which shows the players’ commitment to the club and to each other.

“They’re a loyal bunch, as I’ve said many times in the past.

“I think the club will know more this week but there’s been a positive response to the statement and hopefully it won’t reach the stage where the budget has to be cut.

“Anything can happen in football, we’re prepared either way, but it sounds positive.

“It’s a great club and one of the main reasons I’ve stayed as long as I have is because of the club and how it’s run.

“They’re great people, they really are.

“That’s another reason the players have stayed, because it’s a great club to be part of.”

Watt accepts the situation could change if the budget - described last week as “competitive” but “by no means extravagant” - is cut drastically.

Hopefully, it won’t come to that if potential investors follow through on their interest.

“A lot of the players are already playing for well under their true value," said Watt.

“If someone has to take £100 a week less, when they should be on £100 a week more, then I think maybe the decision is out of their hands.

"But we’re not focused on that, we’re just looking at the next game.”

Hythe are next in action at Faversham on Tuesday night.