Lloyd Blackman takes his Whitstable Town side on the FA Trophy trail this weekend to face South Central Chalfont St Peter knowing just how much a Trophy run would do to boost things at the Belmont.

“Everyone knows of all the summer changes at the club,” the Oystermen’s boss told us.

“Scott (Porter) had been there three or four years and built himself a fantastic side and there was always going to be natural change of ideas and change of direction for whatever reason – budget wise and player wise – there were all things to consider.”

“But because of the transformation, we’ve got ourselves a squad that we’re happy with and we’re just looking to improve and build on that. Could the start have been a little bit better? Yes, but it could have been worse, but we’ve done OK so far which has given us something to build on really.”

“We’ve come pretty close to be a better side, but we’re aware that we should be having more points than we have on the table. I’m pleased with where we’re at, at this moment, but also know that we still must improve!”

When asked about the opposition that his side face this weekend, Blackman told us, “They’ve started well in their equivalent League – Bet Victor South Central – I’m fortunate that I know a few people around the areas like that from playing around London who have been able to help me out with a little bit of info on them.”

“The one thing that all managers will say is that it’s very difficult to judge the level of our division as opposed to the division that they play in – there’s always the argument as to where a side would stand in another League.”

“Is there is a drop-in standard? Is there a much-improved standard? So, we’ll be going in a little bit blind in that respect, but that’s the beauty of the FA competitions – we’ve just got to prepare the best we can for ourselves and do the best job that we can.”

“There’s always the added bonuses of the finances that have happened over the last couple of years from winning Cup ties – we haven’t factored that into what we’ve done which I think is sensible for any football club.”

“We’re looking to go on a run that’s fantastic for the fans and the community and the club as a whole and any extra funds that come our way, they’re a bonus!”

“We’re not going to sit here saying we rely on this and we rely on that – yes, it’s nice and is always helpful for the running of the club! And I know that from behind the scenes that the club is in good hands. So, anything that the players and I can bring in to help from a financial point of view is an added bonus.”

The Whitstable team news is encouraging as the boss confirmed, “Harry Stannard is very close to a return. Marcus Evans opened his knee up against Cray Valley and we’re waiting on the results – we’re hoping it’s not as serious as it first appeared, but he’s the only one definitely missing at the weekend. So, we’ll travel with a pretty full-strength squad to pick from…”