We feel that we have had an average start to life at Whitstable in terms of results, but we feel way ahead of time, in terms of how we have settled within the club, says Whitstable Town boss Marcel Nimani, while Keith Bird leaves Canterbury City

WHITSTABLE TOWN manager Marcel Nimani says his nine games in charge of the club have given him a mix of emotions.

The Oystermen sit in ninth-place in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table, having banked 25 points from their 19 games and welcome bottom-of-the-table and now managerless Canterbury City to Belmont Road on Tuesday 27 December (15:00).

"Canterbury will be a tough opponent with plenty of young and experienced talented players, who on a good day can compete with anyone,” said Nimani.

“We will need to be very organised off the ball and much more calculated going forward to ensure we do not leave ourselves vulnerable as we have done in previous games.”

Whitstable Town go into the game having lost 2-0 at home to Deal Town last time out.

Nimani has won four and lost four of his nine games in charge of the club, since taking over from Richard Styles.

“It has been a mixed of emotions, with plenty of positives as we are slowly recruiting a good footballing side with young players, who have every potential to be long-serving players for the club,” added Nimani.

“This is a two-year project and we are recruiting with this timeline in mind.

“At the same time, we feel that we are strong enough to continue picking up points whilst building the team.

“We feel that we have had an average start to life at Whitstable in terms of results, but we feel way ahead of time, in terms of how we have settled within the club.”

The club suffered relegation from the Isthmian League for the second time and Nimani’s side go into the festive period 25 points adrift of runaway league leaders Erith & Belvedere.

“We continue to build for a two-year project and we are halfway through the first year.

“Whitstable Town is possibly one of the biggest clubs at Step Five level in all fronts, facility and fan base wise.

“It is a club challenged by its location as it is surrounded by neighbouring clubs who can match what we have to offer in terms of facilities as well as financially and higher league status.

“However, we aspire to build a culture within the club which provides players with quality experience and an identity of playing which enthuses the supporters.”

The former Sheppey United man had this message for the Belmont faithful.

“Wishing all supporters a Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year – let’s hope we have left behind an awful year of football and move into happier memories in the new year. Thank you for your enduring support.”

Canterbury City arrive at Belmont Road for their local derby on the back of four straight league defeats. 

Keith Bird has today stepped down from the managerial role at the club, with a statement stating, "From immediate effect Keith Bird has resigned as manager.  The club would like to thank Keith for all his hard work."

Bird left his chairman's role at league rivals Holmesdale to take over team affairs at Canterbury City in January 2022.

The Sittingbourne-based club are rooted to the foot of the table with 12 points from 18 games, four points adrift of Welling Town and Fisher.

Whitstable Town  v  Canterbury City
Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division
Tuesday 27 December 2022
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Belmont Road, Whitstable, Kent CT5 1QP