Manager Richard Styles reveals Jake Mackenzie turned down higher-league interest in favour of extending his Whitstable Town stay

Manager Richard Styles has revealed Jake Mackenzie turned down higher-league interest in favour of extending his Whitstable stay.

Versatile defender Mackenzie is sticking around at The Belmont while ex-Canterbury City captain Adam Turton and fellow midfielder James Jeffrey have also agreed to join the Southern Counties East Premier Division club.

Mackenzie started his career at Gillingham but has now made nearly 200 appearances for Whitstable.

“He’s a key player we identified even before we got the job that we wanted to keep on board,” said Styles.

“He loves the club. He has been a hell of a servant and has had some tough times with the club.

“But it’s a good opportunity to flip that and have some success now.

“He had interest from clubs one and two leagues above but has decided to stay.

“He’s a cracking lad and I’m looking forward to working with him”

With experienced goalkeeper Dan Eason, defender Tom Mills, midfielder Danny Walder and striker Harry Goodger staying as well, the Oystermen have no shortage of leaders.

Styles admitted: “We have probably got the most balanced squad since me and Dan [Morrin, his assistant] got into management.

“We have either been really young or really old and, last year, we didn’t really have many leaders [at Tunbridge Wells]. Players either have it or they don’t in terms of leadership qualities.

“At Whitstable, there are players who are good leaders but also some good youngsters and it’s about using that as well.

"There’s a good balance of youth and experience.

“That puts me and the management team in a very good position.”

Styles, whose side saw their scheduled fixture against VCD cancelled on Tuesday, says several players want the armband but he intends to use pre-season to decide who