DURHAM skipper Paul Collingwood admitted yesterday that his players are “seriously unhappy” about the punishment handed out to the club by the ECB.

But as they face the prospect of starting next season 48 points adrift at the foot of division two, the club was overwhelmed by the level of sympathy and support yesterday.

There was widespread incredulity at the harshness of Durham's treatment for having the audacity to ask for a bail-out, and Lancashire and Somerset were among the counties who sent good luck messages, adding: “Hope to see you back soon.”

Collingwood, who is in Bangladesh in his England one-day coaching role, said: “It's a massive kick in the nuts for players who are 100 per cent innocent. There's a lot of anger and they are asking whose fault is this?

“We want Durham CCC to be a place where homegrown first-class and international talent emerges. That's what we are supposed to do and what we have done.

“As players we have to try to get our heads round this together and get the club back to where it should be. We are two wins down already next season but I want to keep fighting for the club through these tough times.

“I don't understand how things have got so bad that we have to be penalised like this. We get asked to win things, give our best and keep the club in division one. The players have fought time and again to do that.

“The amount of international cricketers we produce shows the North-East is an important part of English cricket.

“When I first heard the news I thought it was the end of the world. But we have to understand that the ECB has given us the chance to rebuild and refocus. We all still have jobs and the club is still moving forward. It could have been a lot worse.”

Former England seamer Graham Onions tweeted: “As players all we can do is what we always do – stick together, be proud and fight our way back to where we belong.”

Durham reported brisk trade at their box office yesterday from new as well as existing members.

They issued a statement saying: “We would like to place on record our thanks for the extraordinary support we have received from all cricket fans, members and supporters.

“The reaction from current, prospective and new members has been beyond comprehension. All the staff are committed to ensuring 2017 is a fruitful year and we are working on delivering another successful campaign.”

Kent chairman George Kennedy was among those condemning the ECB for their handling of the situation. His county are taking legal advice following the decision to reprieve Hampshire from relegation rather than promote the county which finished second in division two.

Kennedy said “I am considering my own position in the game. Unless you have confidence in the governing body there seems little point and I have almost completely lost confidence in the ECB.”