by Steve Tervet

Jason Lillis may bring several of his Lordswood players with him when he joins the Whitstable Town coaching set-up this summer.

The Lords boss has agreed to join manager Nicky Southall’s coaching staff at the Belmont after guiding the Kent League club to their first ever cup final this season.

Having vowed to shake up his squad with a view to gaining promotion in 2013-14, Southall (pictured) is keen to make the most of former Herne Bay boss Lillis’ local knowledge and contacts.

He said: "I had a good chat to Jason and he’s agreed to come and work with me next season. He’s a good coach, he’s done well at Lordswood and deserves a chance.

"I’ve known Jason a long time. He used to be a pro like myself and want to try to make everything as professional as I can. Jason knows the non-league scene a lot better than me because I’ve only been in it (as a coach) for the last year.

"I want local players at the club. We’ve talked about maybe bringing a couple of players across from there."

Whitstable have two games left to ensure they are mathematically safe in Ryman League, Division 1 South. Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at home to Hythe left the Oystermen on 40 points after 40 games.

James Morrish completes his two-match ban this weekend when Whitstable travel to Chipstead.