Steadman Callender says he always felt he would make his Whitstable debut against his old club.

Frontman Callender is set to make his bow for the Oystermen as they host fellow promotion-chasing outfit Erith Town in their opening Southern Counties East Premier Division match this Saturday.

He revealed: “I had a feeling we would get them, first game, but I don’t know what was making me think that!

“I’m excited to play my old team-mates and some friends that I’d made.

“But I’ll just focus on doing my best for Whitstable.”

Marcel Nimani’s troops are out to improve on their fifth-placed finish last term while the Dockers were one position and nine points better off.

With the introduction of a play-off system this year, both will get a shot at Isthmian League promotion if they finish in the same spots again.

The 29-year-old said: “Obviously, they have signed some good players and they will be going for it - as much as we are!

“But hopefully, we will come out on top.”

Callender was a prolific goalscorer during his time at Erith Town. While he doesn’t have any goal celebration - or perhaps lack of celebration - planned, he admits there’s unlikely to be a major reaction if he does find the net.

“I’ve not had too many thoughts about that,” he explained. “A lot of the time, when you score, the celebration’s a bit of an instinct.

“I don’t think I’ll have anything special planned.

“Obviously, I have a lot of respect for them, so I won’t be ripping my shirt off or kissing the badge!

“I - probably - will not celebrate too much. But we will see.”

He’s also looking forward to playing in front of a bumper home crowd at The Belmont.

“I’m excited for that,” he said.

“I’m sure, because it’s the actual league season now, there will be even more than we’ve had in pre-season.

“Hopefully, we put in a good performance for all the fans and send them home happy.”

Town have enjoyed some good results in their warm-up games, beating higher-division Basildon United (5-1), Erith & Belvedere (4-0) and East Grinstead (4-1) before a 2-2 draw with Forest Hill Park on Saturday.

Gus Barnes was on target, midfielder Josh Oliver also converted a penalty in the draw.

Callender added: “I’m feeling sharp.

“Pre-season has gone well. We have got some good results against some good sides.

“We’ve only, really, played teams in higher leagues than us so, as a team, we’re looking in good shape.

“For myself, I’ve scored some goals, so I’m feeling sharp and ready to go.”

With their friendlies now out the way, though, he’s already noticed an added intensity to training this week.

He said: “Obviously the intensity has gone up a little bit. We’re preparing for certain things against Erith Town.

“It’s just nice to get going. Pre-season is all well and good but, really, you just want the league and cup games to come.

“I feel like we’re in a nice position.”

Winger Harry Gamble is another among Whitstable’s squad to have played for Erith Town.