Exclusive by Alex Hoad

Striker Damian Abel says he hopes Whitstable fans will forgive him for his controversial exit following his return to the club just three months after storming off the Belmont pitch.

The forward, signed by manager Justin Luchford (pictured) in November, left the Oystermen soon after walking-off during the second half of the 5-0 home defeat against Whitehawk on February 18, a moment which he says is his "only regret in football."

Abel, however, agreed a return to the club this week.

He said: "I have got a point to prove – to the fans, manager, staff and players.

"Everyone knows how my time came to an end and, I have to say, it is probably the one regret I have in my whole football life. I look back and I think ‘Why did I do that?’"

"It was sheer frustration really. To be honest, the whole of last season was one to forget for me.

"I apologised afterwards and I spoke to the manager and we agreed to chat in the summer. It was always my intention to come back."

Abel, who has had spells at Folkestone, Ramsgate and Faversham, is hoping the Whitstable supporters will be able to forgive when he makes his Belmont return.

"The Whitstable fans have always been great," he said. "It might be awkward at first but hopefully I can perform on the pitch, score some goals and be part of a successful team and hopefully they’ll see beyond that.

"If I can do that then hopefully they will forgive and forget."