Whitstable boss Lloyd Blackman admits he is delighted to have been able to lure Steve Nolan back to the Belmont.

Nolan has returned as first-team coach, Blackman having moved swiftly to replace Paul Murray who left the Isthmian South East club last week.

Blackman was Town captain during Nolan’s spell as caretaker boss in 2011 and he says he could think of no better man to take over from Murray.

Nolan has also previously worked at Whitstable under Peter Nott and Nicky Southall.

Blackman said: “I can’t thank Paul Murray for all his efforts.

“He went way above and beyond with the work he did for the players and myself.

“There was no issue between us, it was just circumstances, but once I knew Steve was available I was really keen to get him on board.

“I spoke to him on the Thursday and by the Friday we’d pretty much agreed everything so it was good we were able to complete such a swift and smooth transition.

“I’ve worked with Steve first hand as a player so I know his quality and what he can bring.

“His attention to detail is second to none and he’s a great sounding block to be able to bounce ideas off.

“He’s not someone who just jumps into something for the sake of it, but when I explained the project we have here he was really excited to work with the group.

“He was also impressed with the club’s plans moving forward.”

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Nolan was in attendance at the Belmont on Saturday for Town’s 2-1 home win over Phoenix – a victory Blackman says was thoroughly merited.

He explained: “I think 2-1 was the very least we deserved. They only had two shots on target and I think we probably could have nicked a couple more.”

Young winger Marshall Wratten was back in the starting line-up after rejoining on loan from Dover and Blackman is thrilled to

have him back until the end of the season.

He said: “I think a few clubs were sniffing around but Marshall was very keen to come back.

“He enjoyed the changing room and appreciates what we’re trying to do here.”

Town, due at Guernsey for a re-arranged fixture last night (Wednesday) are on the road again on Saturday when they travel to Ramsgate, the team Blackman used to coach.

But the Town boss says he will be treating it as just another game.

He added: “I had some great times there. It did not end exactly how I wanted, but it’s just another league fixture and I’ll just be focusing on what we can do to get the three points.”

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