Whitehawk boss Darren Freeman insists he will emerge stronger from the club’s recent troubles.

It has been a difficult season on the pitch for the Hawks and then two of their players were charged with match-fixing last week.

Michael Boateng and Hakeem Adelakun appeared in Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday when they were granted unconditional bail.

Freeman admitted he was “shocked” when he first heard of the allegations.

While he was unable to comment further with the legal process ongoing, Freeman believes this latest development in a tough season has brought a tight-knit squad even closer together.

Boateng and Adelakun were sacked by Hawks last Friday for not following club guidance and protocol as to their conduct during the police investigation and Freeman has since signed a new right-back in the shape of Peterborough youngster Michael Ritchens on a month’s loan.

Freeman said: “It was a massive shock when I heard of the allegations. Everyone at the club was shocked.

“But I don’t like to moan about things and I believe this will pull us together.

“It seems to be one of those seasons when a lot of things are going against us but we are together as a squad.

“It is part of my job to make sure we are together and I will be looking for certain players to try to bring the best out of others.

“Since I have been at Whitehawk we have always been top of the league or top five. This season is different but I have learnt more from this season than any other since I became a manager."