FA Vase-winning striker Harvey Smith has joined Sittingbourne on a season-long loan from Whitstable.

It was initially announced that Smith, who scored the first of the Oystermen’s goals as they came from behind to see off AFC Whyteleafe 2-1 in extra-time in their Vase final at Wembley, was to stay at Whitstable for their 2025/26 season in late May.

But a statement by the Oystermen on Friday confirmed Smith is to spend the upcoming campaign with Ryan Maxwell’s men in Isthmian South East rather than with Jamie Coyle’s promotion-chasing Southern Counties East League Premier Division team.

“Harvey, who can play anywhere in the front areas, has worked tirelessly to improve his game and this loan move to Sittingbourne gives him a fantastic opportunity to gain experience at a higher step,” said Whitstable boss Coyle on Smith, with the forward replicating cousin Ryan Flack in playing at Wembley.

“We’ll be keeping a close eye on his progress.

“He’s got the right attitude and we’re confident he’ll make a strong impact there.”

Whitstable chairman Steve Clayton said: “We’re always proud to see our young players progressing in their careers, even when that means stepping away from the club temporarily.

“Harvey’s loan is another sign of our successful development pathway and, while we’ll miss having him around this season, we’re excited to see how he performs at Sittingbourne.

“It’s a brilliant opportunity for him and a great reflection on the work being done at Whitstable Town.”

Smith joined Corinthian during the 2021/22 season, which he ended at Ramsgate, after he had started out in Dartford’s Academy.

He signed for Margate in 2022 before a dual-registration spell with Glebe in September 2022.

Smith has since been with Whitstable in recent seasons and scored 17 goals in more than 50 appearances in the 2024/25 campaign.