Sam Denly says is prepared to be patient with his emerging side, knowing there will be setbacks along the way.

The Herne Bay boss admits his team are inconsistent but chooses to look at the bigger picture, rather than what’s happening short-term.

He watched his side concede a first half lead in the 2-1 Ryman League Division 1 South home defeat by Walton & Hersham on Wednesday - their second in five days after losing 3-0 against Redhill last weekend.

Denly said: “It is frustrating, but this is a three or four-year plan. “They are young and with that comes a bit of naivety. If we weren’t, we would be right up there.”

Meanwhile, youngster Connor Sanders is having physiotherapy on severe whiplash after being involved in a car crash near Chestfield last week.

Denly said “It is a blow because Connor has been excellent this season and one of our better players. I am not sure how long he will be out.”

Bay travel to lowly Chipstead in Ryman League, Division 1 South on Saturday, a side under new management following the appointment of former Walton boss Steve Baker earlier this month.

Denly was boosted by the return of midfielder Kane Phillips who featured on Wednesday, his first game back after being sidelined for two months with an ankle injury.