John Embery has backed himself and Jermaine Darlington to turn things around at Herne Bay this season.

Bay have won just once this season in the Bostik South East and are occupying last place.

They have also lost their last eight matches in the league.

Joint manager Embery said: “I did not expect us to be in this position at the start of the season.

“You always feel under pressure as a manager whether you are at the bottom or top of the table.

“That is just something you have to deal with in football.

“Myself and Jermaine put ourselves under pressure even when we are doing well. That is part and parcel of being a football manager.

“We know we can turn it around.

“We need them to relax a bit and it is that belief they need.

“Myself and Jermaine have been in this position as footballers before and know the players just need to keep their heads up.

“You do not suddenly become a bad team overnight and they need to have that courage to keep trying to do the right things even when they are under pressure.”

Bay have a tough test on Saturday with a trip to local rivals Whitstable.

It will be the first time the two sides have played each other since Whitstable were promoted from the Southern Counties East, Premier Division last season.

Embery said: “It is a derby that everyone at the club talks about.

“Even when they were in a different league to us they still sung about Herne Bay.

“A win would bring us back into it and also get the confidence back at the club.”

Embery’s side then have a visit from Gillingham in the quarter-final of the Kent Senior Cup on Tuesday with a place in the semi-final up for grabs.

It could be a welcome distraction for Bay after their troubles in the league this season.

Embery said: “We need the players to relax on the pitch as they are trying to force things and snatching at chances.

“Confidence has been knocked a bit in the team. We have to get that back and getting a win on the board will do that.

“The boys have to dig deep now and show their desire. If they do that they will be fine.”