STUART Massey has praised Whyteleafe's players for sticking by the club after being asked to wait to receive appearance money they are owed, writes Ian Lamont.

Multiple call-offs this winter continue to hit cash-flow at the Church Road club and officials held a meeting with the players after Saturday's 4-1 home defeat to Worthing.

Boss Massey is grateful for their understanding and loyalty, believing it would not be a good idea to build another squad from scratch, as he did last summer.

He said: "We have had a little plea with them in terms of patience. All the lads have agreed to stay behind us.

"They are behind me and Matty [Kember, his assistant] and the club – and that means more than anything.

"I couldn't face rebuilding again. There would be no progress as a club and we might as well play in the Surrey Premier League."