Whitstable Town boss Lloyd Blackman entices Tom Carlton to the club from Herne Bay

WHITSTABLE TOWN manager Lloyd Blackman has pulled off a lockdown transfer coup by enticing highly-rated midfielder Tom Carlton to the club from their bitter-rivals Herne Bay.

Carlton started his career at Chelsea before moving to West Ham United and Colchester United before signing for Isthmian League South East Division side Herne Bay.

Carlton had a spell at Hythe Town before returning to Winch’s Field in November 2019 but has signed for Whitstable Town this evening.

“I’m absolutely delighted to announce the signing of Tom Carlton,” Blackman told the club website.

“Tom is a player I’ve admired for many years and someone who brings a lot of creativity to our attacking third.

“I’ve tried to sign him many times, so I’m delighted to finally get to work with him.

“I’ve been very open with Tom when speaking to him and he feels this is a move that can help him push on with his development as well helping the team when we return to playing after this current lockdown.”

The Belmont Road outfit currently sit in seventh-place in the Isthmian League South East Division table, having collected 11 points from their nine league outings.

Ben Smith’s Herne Bay, meanwhile, are sitting in tenth-place with seven points from their six league outings before the second national lockdown of 2020 due to Covid-19.

On the departure of Carlton, Smith added: "It goes without saying that I wish him all the best and he goes with our blessing. 

"In football, departures are generally followed by arrivals and this may well be the case over the next few weeks so watch this space."

Visit Whitstable Town’s website: www.whitstabletownfc.club