Aslan Odev’s priority as Sittingbourne caretaker manager is to reward the club’s loyal supporters.

Odev knows the permanent job could be his if results go well from now until the end of the season – but he’s not thinking about himself.

He said: “The biggest thing for me is to repay the fans.

"They’ve been here since the start and have shown such passion and loyalty. It would be nice to give them something to shout about.

“After that, it’s making sure we’re always looking up the table. Let’s see what we can achieve.

“It’s a transition period for the club and we’re taking it game by game with the aim of laying foundations for next season.

“I’ve got an idea in my head of what I need to get the job permanently but I wouldn’t want to reveal that.

“There’s no aims as such, more let’s see if we can do this. I just want to get the team playing well, with smiles on their faces.

“I want them to enjoy their football and look forward to Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.”

Odev is still to take charge of a game since succeeding Nick Davis a fortnight ago, with Bostik South matches against South Park, Ramsgate and Walton Casuals falling victim to the weather.

They’re due to host East Grinstead at Woodstock on Saturday, with Lex Allan set to start at centre-half with John Coker injured.

Odev said: “It’s getting ridiculous now, it’s a little surreal.

“I don’t know about desperate but I’m eager to play, as are the players.

“We want to get the ball moving now. We’ve had a few sessions and I’ve had chats with all the players.

“They all know what they’re going to be doing, how we’re going to play and what my ideas are on the pitch.

“Not too much will change. It is a transition period and I don’t want to throw new ideas at everyone all at once, especially three-quarters of the way through the season.

“When I came in as coach at the start of the season, me, Nick and Tony (Cornwell, Davis’ old assistant) had the same ideas.

“When Nick was giving the team-talk and said what was expected, I found my head was in the same place, so I won’t be changing too much.”