Heybridge Swifts boss Jody Brown has been dealt a massive blow, with the club announcing a significant wage bill cut.

The Essex side sit bottom of the Ryman North Division before tomorrow’s clash against Phoenix Sports, and Brown’s task to lead them to safety has now become significantly harder, with news of the club’s budget.

A disappointed, but understanding Brown said: “With the predicament we are in, it is not very helpful, but I do understand the reasons behind the decision.

“It is a sensible one, and it makes our task more of a challenge.

“I have to turn negative news into positive news though. The players have been announced the news as a group, and they have initially taken it well.

“I’m under no illusions that some players might leave once the reality sets in, but I’m hoping that the news can bring the group of players closer together.”

See tomorrow’s East Anglian Daily Times newspaper for more information as well as a full round-up of all the other non-league fixtures.