Javaun Splatt liked the look of Sheppey when he scored against them earlier this season and jumped at the chance to get onboard at Holm Park.

Ites boss Ernie Batten needed reinforcements and when Splatt was released by Sittingbourne, the move to Sheppey was quick to happen. The striker scored on his home debut in a 2-2 draw with Herne Bay on Saturday.

That goal came two months after scoring at the same end against Sheppey while playing for the Brickies.

Splatt said: “When I played against them in the FA Trophy I liked the the style of football that they played and so when Ernie rang me, it was a no-brainer. This is a new challenge for me and I am feeling good.

“I like to score goals, when I don’t score goals I question myself so to score the goal (on Saturday) was a relief and a breath of fresh air.

“I set a lot of targets for myself, goals and how I play. I aim to play at least eight out of 10 every game and if I do that I think the team and I will do well, it’s a win, win.”

Splatt’s first appearance for the Ites came last Tuesday, on a bad night for the club, losing 6-0 at high-flying Three Bridges.

It might have left Splatt questioning his decision to move to Sheppey but despite the scoreline, he had seen qualities in the side.

“I went away thinking we were actually good,” he said. “Saturday proved it. With the players we have in midfield, it is hard not to create chances.”

Sheppey included another new signing, Joseph Ganiwa, in the side against Herne Bay but they were two goals down at the break. The two new forwards, Ganiwa and Splatt, scored in the second half as the match ended 2-2.

“We conceded through two silly mistakes,” said Splatt. “If we hadn’t made them we win the game 2-0 but it’s a learning curve.

“After they scored their second goal we battered them for the rest of the half and it was about taking that into the second half and continuing to play the same. We knew we were on top.

“I scored in the second half (for Sittingbourne against Sheppey) and I am very superstitious with things like that. I walked out (on Saturday) and was like ‘I bet I score in the second half in the same goal I scored for Sittingbourne’, and I did just that!”

Splatt hopes the switch across Swale gives him more opportunity now, as he looks to recapture the form which saw him previously hit 19 goals in 2021/22 for Whitehawk.

His only two appearances for Sittingbourne this season came against Sheppey, the first in the 2-2 draw at Woodstock Park and then in the FA Trophy match at Holm Park.

“I played differently to the way the manager wanted me to play, that was a big problem,” he said.

“I have no issue with Sittingbourne, I don’t have a bad word to say about them.

“Everyone sees I have moved to different clubs, here and there, but it’s things that are out of my control, people will think I jump from club to club, but it’s completely the opposite. After Saturday I am very happy and I am looking forward to this Saturday now.”

Mid-table Sheppey are at lowly Erith & Belvedere this Saturday and host Burgess Hill Town on Tuesday night.