Kevin Horlock admits his player recruitment at Chatham Town this season has been down to guesswork.

However, the 43-year-old insists he’ll go into next season better informed about who to sign and who to avoid.

Chats have lost seven of their last nine games and can finish no higher than 19th in Ryman League, Division 1 South.

Horlock, who replaced Kevin Watson in October, said: “It’s been a difficult learning curve for me in terms in terms of knowing the players at Ryman South level.

“I know the North better from my time at Needham Market and was guessing in terms of personnel. Some have paid off and some haven’t.

“But I’ve seen which players are the best in this division and I’ve identified players that could be part of a squad that would get us up the top end of the table and possibly out of this division.

"Although it’s been frustrating and hard work, I’ve done the best I can and left nothing to chance in terms of preparation for our team.

“I’ve been to watch other teams and I’ve now got a nice black book full of ideas of how to move the club forward and higher up the table.”

Chatham host Sittingbourne on Saturday with Horlock keen to avenge their 2-1 derby defeat at Woodstock Park in December.