Whitstable Town announce the departure of boss Keith McMahon with club bottom of Isthmian South East

Whitstable Town have announced the departure of manager Keith McMahon with the club at the foot of Isthmian South East and facing relegation.

Former Thamesmead Town and VCD Athletic boss McMahon took over at the Belmont in October following the resignation of Lloyd Blackman when the club had just a single point.

Prior to Christmas, Whitstable went on a five-game unbeaten league run, including four successive wins, which looked to have got them out of trouble.

But the Oystermen have had just one league win since Christmas at Faversham and they have lost eight of their latest nine, the latest defeat coming 2-0 at home to Hythe on Saturday.

They are now three points adrift and eight behind fourth-bottom Lancing. Assistant Steve Wait has also left.

"The directors of Whitstable Town have today regretfully decided to part company with first-team manager Keith McMahon, as the team sit bottom of the Isthmian League South East division with seven games remaining," a club statement read.

"Keith was appointed at the beginning of October after a difficult start to the season and following the sudden resignation of Lloyd Blackman.

"His experience and successful times at Thamesmead and VCD Athletic, together with a good record of bringing through young players, pointed to Keith being the right choice to take the club forward.

"Nobody could have worked harder to integrate themselves with all aspects of the club and attempt to turn fortunes around on the pitch.

"Despite a number of disappointing performances, the club was determined to give Keith sufficient time and resources to make a difference. Unfortunately, there have been few signs of any improvement and, with just a single win since Christmas and eight defeats in the last nine