Sittingbourne manager Darren Blackburn paying his players' yellow card fines

Sittingbourne boss Darren Blackburn is picking up the bill for player bookings.

Each yellow card carries a Kent FA fine of £12 but Blackburn has offered to cover the cost as a way of thanking his squad for their loyalty.

Brickies players recently accepted a pay cut and Blackburn wants to reward them for staying put.

“It’s a little goodwill gesture to help the lads out,” said Blackburn.

“As long as they’re reasonable bookings, I’ll pay for them.

“Some of them said ‘brilliant, the gloves are off, I can do what I like’ - but I’ve told them don’t take the p***!

“The lads have taken a little pay adjustment and I appreciate their loyalty sticking by me and the club.

“Wherever you work, you’ve got to create an environment where people want to stay.

“You’ve got to make people feel wanted and manage individuals and keep things as nice as you can.

“If you do that, they’re more likely to stick with you and not go somewhere else for another £20 or £30.”

Danny Taylor scored a spectacular late goal from his own half as Sittingbourne won 1-0 at Ramsgate on Saturday.

It was a special strike from the midfielder as Brickies extended their unbeaten run to five games.

“He’s seen the keeper off his line and gone for it,” said Blackburn.

“He’s shown great awareness and vision but it’s another thing to have the quality to execute it.

Great performance by @SittingbourneFC lads away v a tough @RamsgateFC not a bad goal to win it, from our own half! take a bow Danny taylor⚽️