Whitstable manager Lloyd Blackman insists he holds no grudges over Ricky Freeman’s move to Herne Bay.

The forward completed a switch to Winch’s Field having previously committed to staying at Whitstable for another season.

“I got a phone call from Ricky, fair play to him, he called me and explained the situation and that financially it was a better offer and one he couldn’t turn down,” said Blackman.

“I have no issues. I’m just a little bit sad that something was agreed and then it wasn’t.

“I don’t hold any grudges in those situations, it’s a player looking after himself in that position and the reasons Ricky spoke to me about I really understood.

“I just felt a little bit sorry for the fans more than anything.

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“Clubs are spending an awful lot of money and I’m not going to sit here and start talking finances and resources.

“The numbers I’ve been hearing banging about are certainly going to turn heads.

“It’s not going to derail me from the project and what we’re trying to build. Best of luck to Ricky, he’s a smashing lad.”

Blackman is now pursuing further signings and expects a busy month in the transfer market.

He added: “We’ve had a busy few days. We’ll announce signings when we feel the time is right. Two more are done, another is very close. I think there will be news on them soon.

“They tick the things that I require within the shape and tactical work I’ve set up.

“You only have to look at certain clubs that have signed 20-odd players. There will be the squad of 16 and then five or six players that have signed wondering over the opportunities, there will be another period of three or four weeks where things will still be up in the air for some clubs and players.

“A few players will start panicking and realise they won’t be getting the opportunities they want and all of a sudden another market opens effectively.”

Blackman, meanwhile, has no immediate plans to recruit a replacement for former first team coach Darren Anslow, who left to take up the manager’s role at Lordswood.

He explained: “We’ll see, we’re keeping that position open. We wish Darren all the very best. Myself and Paul Murray are coaches ourselves so it’s not like I’m a back seat shirt and tie manager.

“We’re not in a position of urgency to jump in and grab somebody. I’ve got no concerns with the quality of the backroom staff.”

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