Ryan Palmer: Eighty percent budget cut has put me in a difficult financial position for me and my family so my plans are to find somewhere I can call home

RYAN PALMER says the budget at Canterbury City was reduced by 80 per cent and that is why, like the rest of the squad, decided to quit the club last Thursday.

 

Manager Clive Cook and his management team held a team meeting after being told of the budget cut at the homeless Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division club.

As a result, Canterbury City were unable to field a side for their game at Tunbridge Wells last weekend.  The game was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Culverden Stadium.

Canterbury City appointed joint-managers Chris Woollcott and Josh Hall on Sunday and they face a rush against time to get a new squad in time for their home game against Deal Town next Saturday.

“Clive just said that the club have delayed plans to fund their own ground and that they will find it hard to pay out any money come Saturday from now on,” said Palmer, 28, who lives in Northfleet.

“The budget cut was at least 80% and we would have to play without a budget and no guarantee of any money.

“We all met as a team and group, staff included, in Maidstone.  Firstly, I knew with team meetings at this stage in the season could mean a couple of things. Therefore, I anticipated this to happen but not on the scale it was. All the players and management had to leave.

“We were already waiting for four weeks’ late money so no one wanted a repeat as it put everyone back and caused mayhem close to Christmas.

“The club could not afford to pay wages to compete in the league. We were a set of players that all had Isthmian and above experience and wanted to challenge.  Players’ have worked hard to make their name and profile respected. We don’t undervalue ourselves.

“This is going to be a difficult time as you become used to the income you get from all avenues. Therefore, this has put me in a difficult financial position for me and my family but it’s nothing I could control.”

The midfielder now begins the search to find a new club as quickly as possible after Christmas.

“My plans are to find somewhere I can call home that respect me as a player and character,” added Palmer, who has also played for Isthmian League South East Division side Burgess Hill Town this season.

“I’m always used to challenging for something in the league so that needs to be the same. I’m a winner with a winning mentality, that’s all I know to chase.

“I’m not in it to just take part.  I enjoy the challenge that comes with being at the best of my game and team-mates around me.

“I’m looking forward to my next challenge and a place for me to kick on for a couple of years.”