Kevin Watson took his eye off the ball ahead of Chatham’s 5-0 beating by Aveley last
weekend – but he has no regrets.

Boss Watson was busy visiting Matt Solly after the Chats captain suffered a broken ankle at Thurrock on New Year’s Day.

Chats went without wages after their heaviest defeat of the season – the money instead going into a collection for Solly. The club have also arranged a benefit game between a Chatham XI and a team of ex-pros and celebrities at Maidstone Road on March 29.

Watson said: “On reflection my preparation for Aveley was thrown out slightly because I was at the hospital with Matt on the night of his injury and the morning after. I was more trying to sort out the benefit game and other bits and pieces and I took my eye off the ball.

"I don’t regret it at all. I could be criticised for saying that but players’ welfare is paramount. Football’s important to all of us but people’s health is the priority.”

Chats, who will learn more about Solly’s injury when he returns to hospital on Monday, should have a new signing in time for the home game against Ryman League Division 1 North mid-table Ware on Saturday.

More fresh faces are likely to follow but Watson said: “I don’t want people thinking there’s a big panic after Saturday’s dire result.

“Like I’ve said all along, we aren’t doing well enough so we’re looking to improve the squad. We should have one in on Saturday and by next weekend I hope to have at least two, possibly three, new players.”