CHESHAM United Football Club directors are having to dip into their own pockets to pay the players wages after United had two more home games postponed this week.

The club is feeling the pinch after losing three home games to the weather this month including the money spinning fixture against Aldershot.

Club spokesman Jim Chambers said: "It's putting a big strain on the club because we haven't been getting any income through the turnstiles."

It's been a particularly bad blow for The Generals because they have signed James Pinnock on loan from Gillingham and haven't been able to play him.

Chambers said: "We're having to pay a contribution to his wages at Gillingham but we haven't been able to play him. It's very frustrating."

Meanwhile manager Bob Dowie is set to put further strain on the budget.

He is in secret transfer talks to bring two Conference players to The Meadow.

The players a midfielder and a centre half are free agents at the end of the season but Dowie wants to shell out money now to make sure he gets them before the free-for-all at the end of the season.

He said: "I don't want to be in a situation at the end of the season where we are one of eight clubs interested in them. I want to get in first and sign them this season even if it does mean that we have to pay something."

He hopes to have both his targets on board next month and wants to finish the season with the team he intends to start next term with.

Dowie has also been busy committing one of his own players to a longer future at The Meadow. Defender Lee Kersey has signed a two-year contract warding off interest from Stevenage Borough and John Kendall's St Albans City.

Released Southend striker Ayodeji Opeymi Abiodun has also joined the club this week on trial.

United travel to Carshalton in the Ryman Premier Division on Saturday.