Whitstable chairman Gary Johnson admits manager Simon Halsey’s job is under pressure but has urged disgruntled fans to stay united behind the Oystermen.

Tuesday night’s 3-0 defeat to leaders Folkestone – Town’s 15th in 18 games in Ryman League Division 1 South – was punctuated by derogatory chanting against Mr Johnson and the club’s board, which he admitted had been ‘incredibly disappointing.’

He said: “All around the club there is massive disappointment over the way the season has started, but now is the time for us to be as positive as we possibly can be

“We need the manager and players, the board and supporters to come together and show their passion and belief. This is no time for negativity, whatever human nature might dictate.

“We have great support but we need everyone to dig deep and support the club. We are all in this together.

“The people running the club want the same thing as the supporters, for the club to be successful.”

Mr Johnson admitted things were looking bleak with Town effectively 12 points from safety already, and despite having handed Halsey the permanent manager’s role less than two months ago, he claimed: “Simon is well aware, football management is a results business. We want to be in the Ryman League, we are not looking to step down.”

He added: “Simon told me his goal was to be mid-table by Christmas. We have to support the manager, but our situation is getting ever harder.

“I think one or two players don’t want to be here and one or two others can do a bit more.

“I think we have seen the need for some stronger, experienced players. We have some very talented individuals but they are not performing as well as they could.

“Simon needs to develop the squad, though when you’re down where we are players don’t necessarily want to come, no matter how much money you put in front of them.

“He has had 10 or 12 games and the results have not come. We have six games in November but by the end of the month we’ll be over halfway through the season.

“Like any manager Simon will feel the pressure of expectation, and I feel it too, from the supporters.

“There were chants directed at me on Tuesday which I have to say I found incredibly disappointing. I put a lot of time and effort and energy into the club. At a time like this we need to stick together.”