Whitstable chairman Gary Johnson insists he won’t even entertain the thought that Bank Holiday Monday’s derby could be the Oystermen’s last against Herne Bay for the foreseeable future.

Town are rock-bottom of Ryman League, Division 1 South, and Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat to Corinthian Casuals was their 23rd in 27 games, while by contrast, Bay are battling in the play-off places having lost for just the fifth time this season at the weekend.

With fourth-bottom Sittingbourne seeking to extend the 16-point lead they have over Whitstable in the race for safety, at Dorking on Tuesday night, there is the increasing possibility that the 3pm clash at Winch’s Field could be the last between the sides for some time.

However, Mr Johnson remained bullish, claiming: “At the moment our one and only goal is to preserve our status – I am not going to think about next season. Until it is mathematically impossible, my only focus is on keeping us up. I remain positive, my glass is half-full.”

He added: “Playing Herne Bay in a derby at this time of year is great for football and good for the clubs financially. These games are always tough encounters and this will be no different. Both sides need a result but for different reasons.

“The only shame is that we are lying where we are in the table. There are seven Kent sides in our division and – if for nothing more than financial reasons – I don’t think any of the clubs would like to lose any of the others. I certainly wouldn’t want to lose Sittingbourne.”

Mr Johnson backed Town fans to travel to Bay in their droves and claimed the Reds players owe them some festive joy.

He said: “We have a point to prove and we will be doing everything we can to take three points. We need a big performance on Monday, the players will need to show passion, belief and desire. They owe the fans a performance – our fans have been incredible.”

Joint-manager Wayne Wilson is set to make his playing debut after FA clearance was received this week, although Mr Johnson added: “His former club Faversham have been awkward in their dealings over this matter and needlessly, in my opinion.”

He added: “Him playing will be a boost for us and we are still keen to bring in new players who (co-boss) Ian Cox and Wayne believe can help us – particularly a big, experienced defender.”