ONE of Kent's oldest football clubs is on the brink of folding unless it can find a sudden influx of new players.

Town Malling United FC, based at West Malling, near Maidstone, has existed since 1885. But now it has been hit by the loss of two managers in as many seasons.

On both occasions the departures prompted an exodus of players. Now the club are struggling to raise a side. “It looks very much like we are going to have to pull the plug,” said club secretary Tim Macey.

The club, based at the County Ground in Norman Road at West Malling, play in the Kent County League Division Two East.

They traditionally drew players from West and East Malling, but in recent years have been forced to look further afield.

“Last year we had four from Gravesend, one from Sittingbourne, two from London and one from Hertfordshire,” said Macy. “It’s becoming increasingly difficult to attract local youngsters.”

The club suffered a body blow during the 2002/2003 season, when their manager quit, taking half a dozen players with him.

The club absorbed that loss by drafting in second stringers and folding their reserve team.

But when the same thing happened in the 2003/2004 season, Town Malling found themselves down to the bare bones.

The most demoralising episode yet for the club came when they held their first pre-season training session and just two players turned up.

That number rose to seven on Tuesday of this week, but unless new recruits can be found, the club will have to withdraw from the league.

Macey has urged any players interested in saving the club to call him. He can be contacted on 01634 240894 or 07815 816086.

As the club are playing in a county-wide competition, the level would suit players who are slightly better than the average Saturday standard.