Stephen Kenny was involved in Thursday's crisis talks at the club

All strands of Derry City Football Club were involved in meetings on Thursday aimed at buying the club some time amid its well-publicised financial crisis.

Friday is another key day in the saga with players scheduled to receive their October wages but with doubts over whether the money will materialise.

Manager Stephen Kenny, club officials and a number of players were involved in Thursday's meetings.

Derry face Bray in the Eircom League at the Brandywell on Friday (1945 GMT).

However, Thursday's various meetings completely overshadowed the build-up to the game, even though Derry are still chasing a European place, which could be a vital source of income to the cash-strapped club.

The Derry players didn't get three weeks pay in August and there have been subsequent fears they will not get paid for October - which is a five week month in terms of salaries.

Players are hoping that they would be paid but there is still a lot of uncertainty about that Derry City manager Stephen Kenny

Amid the crisis, former Derry City player Liam Coyle has been among voices calling for the club to consider making a return to the Irish League.

However, Derry City chairman Pat McDaid poured cold water on the suggestion on Wednesday, saying that there was "no great genuine desire within the club to return to the Irish League".

Stephen Kenny was reluctant to comment on the specifics of Thursday's discussions when he was interviewed by BBC Radio Foyle.

However, the Derry boss acknowledged that the club is facing an "unusual time".

"Eight of the players next week are finished with the club," added Kenny.

"The remaining 10 players who are under contract and the other young players are unsure about their futures because they have existing contracts and they are wondering if they are worth anything.

Gareth McGlynn is suspended for Friday's home game against Bray

"Players are hoping that they would be paid but there is still a lot of uncertainty about that."

In terms of Friday's team news, striker Tam McManus and in-form Gareth McGlynn are both ruled out by suspension and will join Mark Farren, Stephen Gray and Thomas Stewart on the sidelines.

On the plus side, Sammy Morrow may be in contention for a place in the squad after recovering from a long spell out because of injury although youngster David McDaid looks certain to start again in attack, after scoring in Derry's last two games.

Friday's occasion will be Derry's final home match of the season and also Peter Hutton's last Brandywell match for the club.

Hutton's contract is not being renewed for next season and Kenny called on Derry fans to thank the 36-year-old for his service by turning up in big numbers.

Kenny said that relegation-threatened Bray will "fight for their lives in Friday's game".

"They will be relegated if we beat or draw with them but they have beaten Bohs and Shamrock Rovers so they are capable of producing great performances, even though they are bottom of the table."

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