New Whitstable Town signing Javaun Splatt reveals he could have joined Oystermen's historic FA Vase run to Wembley glory as striker plots Southern Counties East League Premier Division promotion bid

New Whitstable signing Javaun Splatt has revealed he could have joined the Oystermen's historic FA Vase run to Wembley glory.

Striker Splatt has been recruited by Whitstable manager Jamie Coyle alongside midfielders Callum Peck and James Miles.

The 24-year-old ended the campaign at Hythe, who suffered Isthmian South East relegation, which means Whitstable will come up against them next season.

While Splatt would like to be involved in another FA Vase run, promotion from the Southern Counties East Premier Division will be his priority.

He said: “Matty [Longhurst, Whitstable No.2] did contact me and they tried to dual-reg me for the Vase. But I gave the gaffer at Hythe, Nick Davis, my word so I didn’t want to just leave.

“Whitstable missed out in the play-offs last season so I think this season is the time to go for it.

“With the core of the squad staying and a few additions - myself included - I don’t see why we shouldn’t go for it and try to win the league. I think everyone is on the same page in terms of winning the league.

“It would be nice to go on another cup run but, personally, I want to get the club promoted back to where they belong.

“We will just try to get points on the board and take it game-by-game.”

It was Whitstable assistant boss Longhurst who put the wheels in motion for Splatt to sign at The Belmont.

“I’ve known Matty for a while and I was with him at Billericay,” he said. “The set-up at Billericay is incredible for non-league football but, speaking to Matty, he said the facilities are just as good at Whitstable.

“After what they did in the Vase, it was a bit of a no-brainer.”

Splatt has also become an international footballer for the British Virgin Islands this summer, playing in World Cup qualifiers