Sittingbourne manager Chris Lynch expects to make big changes this summer.

The Brickies still aren’t mathematically safe in Bostik South East after four straight defeats.

It’s a run that’s highlighted the need to strengthen, despite six wins in seven before that.

Lynch, whose side will clinch safety with a win at Whyteleafe on Saturday, said: “We’ve got four games left and the team next season will be very different from what it is now.

“They’re fully aware of that, they know there’s going to be changes come pre-season, but the main responsibility for us now is to survive in this league.

“I’ll be looking to bring in some experience.

“Quite frankly, every position is up for grabs. Some of the players will stay but only the very best.

“Like any other team, we’ll be looking to strengthen in every area so there will be significant changes next season but that’s football.”

Sittingbourne were looking good for a top-10 finish before their recent slump, losing 6-1 at home to Horsham last weekend.

Injuries haven’t helped but Lynch felt a dip was inevitable after hitting the ground running following his arrival in January.

He said: “The first thing is I signed a lot of players, 11 in a month and a half.

“It’s all great when everyone’s new, they’re fresh and want to go and show what they can do, but to get a consistent performance out of these players was always going to be very difficult.

“They might have, individually or collectively, a great couple of games but don’t forget they’ve only been here since the end of January, beginning of February.

“The second thing to think about is the number of injuries we’ve had in key positions.

“Lewis Chambers is another one and to be without him and Chris Barnard in midfield is a massive blow to us.

“Thirdly, have we overachieved in that run we put together?

“When I came here we were dead certs for the bottom three. To go on the run we did was fantastic but is every player in the starting XI at this
level?

“Some are, no doubt about it, but some have been found wanting, so with all that in mind they’re the reasons why we’ve sloped off.

“It’s also a very young squad – the average age is 19 or 20 – so there’s a lot to learn in terms of game management.”

Read more: All the latest sports news in Kent