BRIGHTLINGSEA Regent chairman Terry Doherty has moved to reassure the club's fans following the departure of two of the club's long-serving players.

Skipper Matt Cripps and Jake Turner have both left the Isthmian League Premier outfit, with more set to depart over the coming days.

However, Doherty has stressed that the club are still making 'strong plans for next season' under boss Kem Izzet.

In a statement on the club's website, he said: "I have been wary in the last few days that you will be seeing news from the club through social media and the press that various long term players are leaving the club.

"Our skipper Matt Cripps left us Monday and he will be followed by one or two others over the next few days with Jake Turner’s departure was announced yesterday.

"We wish the lads the best of luck in their new ventures and thank them for their services to the R's over the years.

"This is not always the ideal way for you, our loyal and faithful supporters, to learn of this information and I would like to reassure you all that we are making strong plans for next season with the resources we have available to us.

"We had a Zoom conference meeting last Friday with manager Kem who is very busy putting together an exciting young team for next season whenever that might be! Please do not panic and think that the club is in freefall, we are far from that.

"For obvious reasons we are having to cut our cloth accordingly with regard to finances, but our number one priority is to make sure the club, as a business, is still solvent at the end of this crisis.

"Work behind the scenes is gradually increasing and I would like to thank David Newman who has set up a Gofundme page which is on our website.

"This is to help towards the summer pitch preparation and to replace Mick's white lining machine which is older than he is!

"I would also like to express my gratitude to everyone who has stuck with the 12th man scheme and the recent fans who have joined including 'Geordie' John Barratt. Diamonds all of you.

"Through this page Malcolm will announce when we think it will be ok to have some social distance work parties at the ground in the not too distant future.

"Please stick with us and please stay safe as I hope to shake all your hands (and hopefully hug a few) when its safe to do so at the home of the Regent. Up the R's, Terry."