Luchford: I know heat is on

TOWN Boss Justin Luchford remains confident that he can turn Whitstable's fortunes around, despite seeing his side slip to their ninth loss in 12 games since he took charge.

But after Saturday's 4-2 home defeat to Hythe Town, the Belmont gaffer admitted he's starting to feel the heat.

He said: "Of course there's pressure. I'd be an idiot if I said I didn't feel it.

"My record since I've been at the club has been pretty poor and I have to start to deliver, there's no question of that.

"We've got a fantastic set of fans and I know there's only so long they will back me.

"The pressure is on the players too. They have to start performing. They are a good set of lads, positive and full of character, and I think we have built a squad capable of competing.

"If that doesn't happen then my job will be called into question, without a shadow of a doubt.

"The buck stops with me, but I've never been sacked in my football career and I don't want to start now."

Luchford remains philosophical about Saturday's defeat against Hythe but is hoping for a better return from this Saturday's east Kent derby away to Sittingbourne.

"Hythe are on a good run and with the side I was able to put out against them we were always going to be up against it.

"We knew we would have to take some games on the chin because of injury.

"Sittingbourne is another massive match for us and we have to be looking at taking the game to them.

"The mood in the camp is positive and we will hopefully have a number of players back from injury and suspension. That could make all the difference.

"We're not too hot in defence at the moment but we know we can score goals.

"We are desperate for all three points."

Dale Skelton, signed from Faversham Town, could start for Whitstable against the Brickies.

Up next for Town: Jan 21 - Sittingbourne (A); Jan 28 - Crawley Down (H); Feb 4 - Godalming Town (H).