Relegation threatened Kendal Town appear to be lurching towards a potential crisis with manager Dave Foster and 11 first team players, including captain Stuart McDonald, reported to have left the club this week.
The news has caused outrage among the club's fan base with a petition calling on chairman George Gudgeon to stand down receiving over 150 signatures in just 24 hours, with plans for a supporter led march before next weekend's game with Glossop North End.
The revelations come just over a month after Gudgeon announced a “10 point plan” to help reinvigorate the fortunes of the Mintcakes, in a statement where he attacked “keyboard warriors”, who he believed were unfairly judging his spell at the club in a negative light.
In mid December, the Kendal chairman said: “Unfortunately, a small group of people continue to post negative comments on social media platforms without really knowing or understanding just how much good work has gone into the club in the past three years, or the extent of what has had to be put right.”
Nevertheless, this week's news looks to have increased supporter anger into uncharted territory, with direct action now being planned.
Speaking to The NLP, Matthew Tummey from Kendal's Supporters' Club said: “It is a really worrying time and I think the developments this week have proven to be the straw that has broken the camel's back for a lot of fans.
“In truth, the three years that the current Chairman has been in for charge have been really tough and in recent months there has been a complete lack of communication with fans about exactly what is going on.
“The club is now in in a position where it barley has enough players to be able to field a team this weekend, which is especially worrying because we are in a relegation battle and every single point is so crucial at the moment.
“There is genuine fear that it is actually within the current boards' interest to see us relegated, which is a terrible prospect for all fans.
“This is the club's anniversary year and it is in one of the worst states that it has been in a long time.
“We have helped out with raising money for the club but we believe that the current board has previously tuned away help from businessmen.
“It has developed into a critical situation and that is why we have taken the decision to start proceeding with direct action and begin protesting to raise awareness about what is happening.”
The NLP contacted the club for a comment but we have so far received no response.
Kendal Town, who are currently sitting four points adrift of safety in the Evo-Stik West, and travel to Radcliffe on Saturday with an extremely depleted squad.
