Whitstable Town chairman Joe Brownett hopes to appoint a new manager before this weekend’s visit of Croydon Athletic.

Mr Brownett (pictured) and vice-chairman Gary Johnson were due to interview two experienced Ryman League managers last night (Wednesday) after shortlisting the pair from 25 applicants for the position vacated by Peter Nott last month.

It’s hoped the club will be in a position to announce a new boss on Friday, although Dave Fairclough will continue to lead the side on Saturday as they look to bounce back from last weekend’s 3-0 defeat at Whitehawk.

The new manager’s first game in charge will be next Saturday’s away trip to Chipstead.

Mr Brownett said: "We have not rushed into appointing someone straight away because we did not feel we needed to. We have had a lot of people with experience apply for the job which is nice for the club, knowing the job is worth having.

"We have had experienced Ryman League managers apply that have not applied before.

"We have to get it right this time with an experienced man because we have previously appointed from within the club.

"I want the supporters to know we are working hard to get this right for them and we’d like to get it done and dusted before Saturday."