Worthing's under-fire directors have hit back at claims they are leaving boss Sammy Donnelly short-changed.

Disgruntled fans at Woodside Road are unhappy that players have been released during Rebels' recent slide down the table.

The Board have issued a statement denying they told Donnelly to field reserves to save money and claiming they had forked out £10,000 from their own pockets for playing expenses.

The statement added: "Although we would always welcome the opportunity of new investment, the club is currently well run and financially stable and in talks with others to boost funds for next season.

"We would remind supporters that the club had assembled the largest and most expensive squad of players in its long history at the start of the season."

The directors said that, although Donnelly had been asked to make some savings, speculation that his budget had been halved was unfounded.

Donnelly himself has kept out of the controversy.

He faced fans at a meeting on Thursday and said: "It was healthy discussion, but things might have to get worse before they improve."