Hythe boss Steve Watt is backing former Cannons midfielder Darren Oldaker to flourish at Chesterfield.

Watt played a central role in Oldaker’s move to the Spireites, even accompanying him to Derbyshire to complete the deal.

It’s a brilliant move for the ex-Gillingham youngster, who has signed a two-year contract after helping Dorking to promotion via the National South play-offs.

Watt helped Oldaker get back on his feet after leaving Priestfield, amid question marks over his attitude.

He took him to Hythe after a brief spell at Billericay, and also set up his successful move to Dorking last season.

He’s thrilled to see Oldaker, 23, join a big former Football League club and one who will be among the frontrunners for promotion in the National League this season.

“He came to me when things weren’t great for him,” said Watt.

“It was a case of him finding someone he cold trust again, because things happen when you’re a young player.

“Things can go wrong - wrong people, wrong place, whatever it may be - and coming to Hythe, it was about getting him back on the path he needed to be on.

“I’m so happy for him to get this move, he’s such a good player, and he’s still only 23.

“It was important to get the right move after Hythe, I said to him don’t just go anywhere, let’s put you somewhere you can shine and Dorking was a fantastic move for him.

“They gave him a chance to express himself and, as a result of that move, this opportunity at Chesterfield has presented itself, and I still believe he can go higher.

“They’re a massive club, with a good history in the Football League, and they’ve given him a two-year deal, so it’s not like they’ve said, ‘here’s a year, let’s see what happens’.

“Second chances don’t often come along in football but he’s got one here and it’s up to him what he does with it.

“If you get blacklisted, and I’m not saying that happened with DJ, but it’s hard to change people’s opinions.

“I know that from my career, when people say things about you that aren’t true, and it’s hard to shake it off.

“DJ’s had to work hard, he was dropped by me in Isthmian South East a few times, but it was a pleasure to coach him.

“He’s the best player I’ve ever managed in terms of ability, it’s great to see him back and I want to see him kick on to a different level, because he definitely can.

“I’m happy to be able to give him a little helping hand along the way.

“I know Danny Webb, the assistant manager up there, and I’d spoken to him about DJ, but he’d been on (manager) Paul Cook’s radar going back to when he was in charge at Wigan.”