WORCESTER City star Cieron Keane insists everyone needs to be “told the truth” as concerns grow over the cash-strapped club’s immediate future.

All of City’s players were put up for transfer last week after bosses at the Vanarama National League North strugglers pledged to “protect the remaining funds”.

But Keane admitted the uncertainty and speculation surrounding City was making it “hard” for players to “fully focus” on matters on the pitch.

And the left midfielder felt the insecurity within the camp “could not have come at a worse time” as 19th-placed Worcester battle to retain their sixth-tier status.

“The atmosphere is a bit strange as no one knows what’s going on and nothing has come out that is concrete,” said the 20-year-old.

“Everyone is a bit in the dark.

“We need to pull together and get on with it but it is hard because if you are in the work place and hearing some of you may have to leave because they can’t afford you then your minds aren’t fully focused on the task in hand.

“People are talking in the changing room and conversations are going on so it is a hard time for people.”

Keane says managerless City are determined to avoid the drop as they prepare to take on play-off chasing Halifax Town at Bromsgrove’s Victoria Ground tomorrow (3pm).

The Blue and Whites are level on points with third-from-bottom Bradford Park Avenue after a run of 12 matches without a league win.

But former Notts County youngster Keane was aware of rumours City’s chiefs were considering taking voluntary relegation.

“If the rumours are true it would be a shame,” he said.

“Obviously we have been told they are in financial difficulty.

“Voluntary relegation is a rumour but no one knows if it is happening or not.

“It has been a really enjoyable season.

“But with all the stuff coming out at the minute it has put a bit of a dampener on things, not knowing if we are going to stay up.

"It is absolutely ridiculous but as players we can’t take too much interest in it. You have got to stay quiet and get on with things.”

However, Keane said it would help if the club’s board could put “everyone’s minds at rest” by clarifying the situation at City who have been without a permanent home since 2013.

“I think everyone needs reassuring about what is going to happen and be told the truth,” he said. “As players you hear more than the fans but I just think everything needs to be out there.

“They need to decide what they are going to do as we don’t know, none of the fans know and then put everyone’s minds at rest because as soon as you do that the sooner you can crack on properly.

“With the position we are in the table at the minute we don’t need a distraction like this.

“All the clubs in and around us are starting to pick up results because they are on a steady ship and know what they are doing so this could not have come at a worse time in the season.”