Kent football turned out in good numbers to raise around £4,000 for Tommy Sampson as the popular manager recovers from a stroke.

Sampson was given a great ovation when he walked into the Green Lion in Rainham and Whitstable boss Marc Seager, one of the organisers, said: “I think it was a very emotional night for Tom.

"He was absolutely shattered, and I think it took a lot out of him, both mentally and physically.

“It was great to see so many people there, including members of the Deal FA Vase winning side who played under Tommy, Maidstone’s Alan Walker, who is recovering from a freak accident and ex-Gillingham midfielder Tony Eeles who is battling against a rare illness.”

The auction and raffle proved a great success, including an autograph shirts, balls, programmes, and two tickets for Ebbsfleet’s first FA Trophy final against Torquay at Wembley next month.

Sampson has managed numerous Kent clubs, including, Herne Bay, Deal, Ashford and Dartford.