Kevin Watson this week backed calls for Chatham to be returned to Ryman League Division 1 South next season.

Last week, Chatham chairman Jeff Talbot again spoke out in the Messenger about the club’s growing sense of frustration at playing in the north division.

And boss Watson, pictured, voiced his concern at the "ridiculous" situation the Medway club find themselves in on the back of seeing just 60 supporters turn up to see Chatham beat Ilford at Maidstone Road on Tuesday night.

It was the lowest crowd of the season at Maidstone Road but those in attendance did see the home side end their five-game winless streak after Austin Gacheru scored the only goal as Chatham climbed two places to 14th.

Watson feels the lack of local derbies are effecting the attendances – which in turn has a knock-on effect for his player budget.

The player-boss said: "We’ve got a massive grievance with it and it’s ridiculous. If it is not addressed next season that suggests there is a massive flaw in the way they do things and questions will need to be asked."

The Ryman League believe that the club’s proximity to the Dartford Crossing means they are ideally situated to make up the numbers in the north division, but Chatham won’t find out if they have been successful until the constitution is drawn up in the summer.