ALL of Worcester City’s players have been put “up for sale” as the cash-strapped club look to cut costs to stay alive.

City’s board released a statement saying they were expecting to make a “significant loss” this year as they continue to struggle in exile.

With money running out and uncertainty surrounding their future, club chiefs said they needed to “protect the remaining funds” while playing outside of the city.

Veteran striker Lee Hughes became the first player to leave the Vanarama National League North outfit having joined relegation rivals AFC Telford United.

And caretaker manager John Snape anticipates many more to follow suit as 18th-placed Worcester, who are three points above the drop zone, face a huge fight to retain their sixth-tier status.

Although admitting it was a “horrible feeling”, Snape said he understood the club’s “realistic” stance to their financial plight.

“The players are up for sale,” said Snape who has been in temporary charge since Carl Heeley ended his seven-year reign as boss late last month.

“This will be a horrible feeling for the players. But the survival of the club is important and maybe a new start is good for Worcester City.”

Worcester visit Harrogate Town tomorrow (3pm) and Snape admitted there was a possibility several players could take the exit door before their long trip to North Yorkshire.

“There might be one or two (departures) in the pipeline following this announcement as we might get contacted by clubs but it is a necessity,” he said.

“It is not nice but the players will adapt to that and new starts for some of them might be just what they need.

“Training has been very difficult this week for everybody and it will be going forward. But it is out in the open now.

“I hope the players are still getting paid and they can earn themselves a move by playing well for Worcester.”

Since leaving St George’s Lane in 2013, City have spent three years at Kidderminster Harriers’ Aggborough and currently play their home games at Bromsgrove Sporting’s Victoria Ground.

City’s board insisted they needed to find a “temporary or permanent home” in the city at the “earliest possible opportunity”.

“Not only are there significant costs attached to this (being in exile) but the opportunities for generating income are significantly less than they would be if the club were playing in Worcester,” the statement read.

“During this period the club have incurred losses, mitigated by successful cup runs, with a further significant loss to be made this year.”

As part of a “review of all aspects of the operation”, which began prior to the resignation of Heeley, City’s chiefs said they must bring forward a “break-even budget for next season”.

They also pledged to find a “first-team manager or coach” who could take the club forward in “the long term”.

Rumours have been circulating over the immediate future of the club with some fans fearing they could take voluntary relegation.

City have refused to comment on speculation “both in the media and among supporters” over the “future direction of the club”.

But they added: “The club can reassure shareholders and supporters that any future action it decides to take will be with the sole objective of ensuring that Worcester City Football Club continues to be viable in the future.

“As and when updates can be provided the board will ensure that such information is released through its official channels.”