Jake Mackenzie wants to see his career out at Whitstable - but would love to win silverware before he does so.

The defender rejoined the Oystermen for the 2019-20 season and, bar a stint with Ramsgate, has now been with Whitstable for a decade since he left Gillingham and professional football.

It’s not been straightforward this season on Whitstable’s return to the Southern Counties East Premier Division but promotion through the play-off places is still within their sights.

He said: “I only live around the corner. When I started playing football, I was playing for Whitstable Juniors from six or however young you are when you start.

“I would like to see my career out at Whitstable - but I also want to win things before I do.

“When I’ve been at Whitstable and Ramsgate, we have always been a mid-table-ish side but I would like to achieve something, whether it’s this season or next.

“I would love to get back in the Isthmian League.”

The right-back recently went beyond 200 appearances for Whitstable.

He said: “That makes me feel old when you say that!

“When I got released by Gillingham, I was 18 and I’m 28 now. Whitstable’s my home town.

“I love playing for them and it’s been a nice journey, playing for the club and seeing it develop from where the club was to where it is now and the ambitions for further development.

"It’s really good to see.”

This term has seen fans’ favourite Mackenzie get his first taste of Step 5 football and he has been impressed with the standard.

“I had always played in Isthmian South before,” he said.

“I didn’t know what to expect, but we have played good teams at this level and it’s similar to what I’m used to.

“I’m usually playing against good wingers and the standard of football is getting better, in my opinion.

“It’s similar really to what I have been playing so it’s a good standard.”

Manager Marcel Nimani has been putting his own stamp on things at The Belmont since his arrival earlier this season. Prior to that, they had gone through four managers in 13 months, suffering relegation from Isthmian South East in that time.

Mackenzie said: “He’s great. It’s really good what he has done, with the way has been able to put smiles on faces.

"The last season and a half, we have had several managers and probably hundreds of players. It’s not been much fun for the players who have stuck around and the fans.

“But he’s getting the best out of the players. It’s going back to the basics of enjoying it.

“I work full-time and have a young daughter so, with my football, I want to enjoy it.

"Of course I want to win, but I want to play with a smile on my face as well.”

This campaign has been the Oystermen’s first on their 3G pitch and Mackenzie has relished playing on the new surface.

“I love it,” he noted. “In previous seasons, we wouldn’t have managed to play half the games we have got on this season because The Belmont was always known for being waterlogged or muddy conditions.

"But now we don’t have to worry too much.

“We can start thinking about what we are doing with the ball.

“It definitely works with the team we have got and the way we’ve played this season.”

Whitstable, whose weekend trip to Holmesdale was postponed, are set to host Tunbridge Wells this Saturday.

“They will be a good side but the gaffer has done his homework,” he said.

“We have had a few friendlies where games have been called off.

“I’m looking forward to the game on our pitch. I do think teams play better on our pitch.

“But if we play our natural game and take our chances, we can get all three points.”

Whitstable beat Division 1 Staplehurst 2-0 in a home friendly on Tuesday with goals from midfielder Gus Barnes.

The club have also launched a "Player Development Project" to help players progress through their youth ranks.