by Alex Hoad

New Whitstable boss Nicky Southall says he has a wish list of players whom he hopes will help Town turn on the style at The Belmont.

The former Gillingham first team coach admits the Ryman League Division 1 South strugglers "need some help" but says he hopes his footballing principles will help the Oystermen climb the table in his first job in management.

The 40-year-old (pictured) said: "I have always been a footballer and never really been one for hoofing it. I want to pass and play football, although I know there are times when you need to clear your lines.

"We have got players who can do it but I have also got a wish list and want to take things forward. There will be players coming and going, it’s part and parcel of football.

"We need some fresh impetus. We need some help at the moment, something to reinvigorate us and get our season back on track."

The former Bolton, Nottingham Forest and Grimsby midfielder revealed: "I wanted to get into management but I didn’t expect it to be at Whitstable.

"I am a good friend of (former boss) Justin Luchford and I came here to help him out but it didn’t work out. I feel partly responsible for what happened.

"He put a good squad together but confidence was down and there was a lot of uncertainty.

"I’m glad it’s resolved now and we can start looking forward. I am itching to get going at Crawley Down on Saturday."

Chairman Gary Johnson said: "We had a lot of interest but Nicky has great credentials, a fantastic knowledge of the game, good contacts and he’s an ideal match for us."

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