New Whitstable Town striker Steadman Callender on making his league debut for the Oystermen against his old club as Erith Town visit The Belmont

Steadman Callender says he always felt he would make his Whitstable debut against his old club.

Frontman Callender is set to make his bow for the Oystermen as they host fellow promotion-chasing outfit Erith Town in their opening Southern Counties East Premier Division match this Saturday.

He revealed: “I had a feeling we would get them, first game, but I don’t know what was making me think that!

“I’m excited to play my old team-mates and some friends that I’d made.

“But I’ll just focus on doing my best for Whitstable.”

Marcel Nimani’s troops are out to improve on their fifth-placed finish last term while the Dockers were one position and nine points better off.

With the introduction of a play-off system this year, both will get a shot at Isthmian League promotion if they finish in the same spots again.

The 29-year-old said: “Obviously, they have signed some good players and they will be going for it - as much as we are!

“But hopefully, we will come out on top.”

Callender was a prolific goalscorer during his time at Erith Town. While he doesn’t have any goal celebration - or perhaps lack of celebration - planned, he admits there’s unlikely to be a major reaction if he does find the net.

“I’ve not had too many thoughts about that,” he explained. “A lot of the time, when you score, the celebration’s a bit of an instinct.

“I don’t think I’ll have anything special planned.

“Obviously, I have a lot of respect for them, so I won’t be ripping my shirt off or kissing the badge!

“I - probably - will not celebrate too much. But we will see.”

He’s also looking forward to playing in front of a bumper home crowd at The Belmont.

“I’m excited for that,” he said.

“I’m sure, because it’s the actual league season now, there will be even