Struggling Exeter City are so desperate for strikers, the club has put an advert on its own website.

Within 48 hours of the plea being posted, City received applications from across the country.

Exeter are near the bottom of Division Three and are believed to be around �7m in debt.

A club spokesman said using the web was a cost-effective option.

Steve Flack: Striking partner

He said: "No club has much money at the moment.

"And we've been inundated from players all over the country - north and south.

"Some even played as trialists in a reserves game on Wednesday.

"We are now sorting the wheat from the chaff. It's been an unbelievable response."

• The website plea reads:

  Exeter City Seeking Quality Striker:

  If you have the ability to fill this role, then please contact the club on 01392 411243.

  This is a serious proposal, as the club are looking to fill this position quickly.

It is not the first time a club has advertised on the web for players - Wycombe Wanderers advertised for a striker and signed Roy Essandoh as a result.

Earlier, City's bosses said the cash made from the Grecians' FA Cup run this season would help in coach Neil McNab's quest for a striker.

McNab believes a striker to link up with Steve Flack is the missing ingredient - and the key to turning around City's fortunes as they fight against relegation.