Manager Chris Lynch says Ben Fitchett will always be welcome back at Sittingbourne after unexpectedly losing the defender.

Fitchett was recalled by Margate at the end of last week, having been on loan from the Bostik Premier club all season.

The defender had been in fine form under Lynch, who was unsure about the terms of the loan, which was agreed by former Brickies boss Aslan Odev.

He wishes Fitchett well but the defender knows there’s a place for him at Woodstock.

Lynch said: “It’s always difficult when you’ve got situations like that, that you as a manager haven’t arranged.

“Generally you’ve either got players on loan for a month, or three months or maybe six, but it’s rare you get them for a whole season at this level in my experience.

“When it came to my attention I said, ‘what is the arrangement because as far as I’m concerned you are a Sittingbourne player?’ and it was quite clear Aslan had arranged this loan with a view he would probably stay here all year but Margate have got their injury crisis.

“Everyone should play at the highest level possible so I was never going to stand in his way.

“There’s always the possibility Fitch may come back. We’ll have to wait and see.

“He was an unused sub for Margate on Saturday and I think what they’re aspiring to do is try and give him a couple of minutes between now and the end of the season to see if he’s at that level.

“Hopefully he’ll smash it and be on a full contract next year but, if not, he’s always welcome back here.”

Sittingbourne are looking for a sixth straight victory when they visit Bostik South East strugglers Whitstable on Saturday.

They will be without Tommie Fagg, who is on holiday for the next three games.

He’s impressed since moving back to centre-half, the position he played as a youngster.

Lynch, who’s in the market for two new defenders, said: “The holiday was planned months before I arrived. It’s one of those situations we’ll deal with.

“Tommie’s been doing really well for us. When I arrived, he was playing a number of roles. He was a No.10 at times and centre-midfield.

“He was a centre-back through his youth career and, for me, you’ve just got to look at the guy.

“He’s got all the attributes to be a good central defender and it just amazed me they weren’t utilising him in his best area.

“He’s the happiest he’s been for a long time and he looks comfortable.”