Whitstable manager Lloyd Blackman has pinpointed his attacking ranks as a priority area to address in the transfer market.

The Oystermen have welcomed four new signings to the club since Blackman’s appointment, the latest being Marcus Evans who joined from Bostik South East champions Cray Wanderers last week.

His arrival follows the capture of Jake McKenzie, Luke Girt and Osman Proni, while seven existing players have committed to staying put at the Belmont.

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Blackman said: “We’re looking to strengthen across the attacking line, we obviously lost Steve Smith who went to Ramsgate. We’re looking at that area, we’re speaking to four or five players really but again with all the conversations we just have to see how they develop.

“We’re hopeful and are doing everything we can to make sure the right player comes in for the right price. We aren’t going to go around splashing serious money. We’ve got objectives, targets and players we’ve identified, players we want that are going to fit our style of play.

“It’s quite a hectic period, managers of all clubs are out there speaking to players and trying to get things sorted and trying to get a settled squad as soon as they can. Everybody is in the same boat really. You’re glued to your phone and you’re just trying to work as hard as you can to finalise your squad.

“I’ve been speaking to players, I’m sure there will be more but at the minute we’re still working through. Hopefully we’ll have some more news soon, with retained players as well. Hopefully in the period of the next week to 10 days we’ll be a lot closer to where we want to be. That’s my intention, hopefully there’s a productive week ahead.”

Blackman has already been reminded of the challenges faced by managers at this time of year, namely the freedom for players to talk to a number of clubs.

He said: “I heard an experienced manager recently say that it’s the time of the season where the players have the upper hand and I think that sums it up. Every conversation is positive, you’re up and down the motorway speaking to players and meeting players, your phone bill goes through the roof.

“Having been a player myself, I’m aware players like to take their time and weigh up opportunities where they can do. It’s important to get business done early doors which we have done.

“If there’s a target you miss out on you can’t harp on about it, you have to move on to something else – you need that tunnel vision.”

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