Sittingbourne manager Darren Blackburn has paid tribute to Nick Treadwell as the midfielder prepares to say goodbye.

Treadwell was given a late run-out in the Brickies’ 4-0 defeat at Sevenoaks on Easter Monday.

Introduced in the 90th minute, it was an opportunity for fans to show their appreciation for a player whose season has been wrecked by a troublesome back.

Treadwell first played for Sittingbourne under Jim and Danny Ward, with his whole-hearted approach making him a firm favourite.

“I wanted to give Nick a token couple of minutes because it will be the last time he represents the club,” said Blackburn. “His back is well and truly gone now, unfortunately.

“I don’t think he’ll play able to play at this level any more, it’ll be too much for his back.

“He’s a top, top lad, one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met in football.

“At times this season he’s been exactly what we needed in midfield, someone who does all the horrible stuff, wins his tackles and headers and makes other midfielders know they’ve been in a game.

“He’s a great lad to have around the changing room and, whatever his plans are off the field, I wish him every success.

“He’s a nice, humble guy and I wish there were more lads like him because football would be a far nicer world to be around.”

Sittingbourne lost both games over Easter, with the Sevenoaks result preceded by a 2-0 home defeat by Herne Bay on Good Friday.

They’re ninth going into the final match of the season, at home to Corinthian on Saturday, needing a point to guarantee a top-10 finish.

“I really hope we stay in that top 10, it would be gutting to miss out after the season we’ve had,” said Blackburn.

“I set out to give the fans more to cheer about than be miserable about this season and I think we’ve done that.

“We’ve dragged the club out of doldrums and shown what’s possible.

“There’s a lot of potential if we can get things right on and off the pitch.

“A lot of people have put in a lot of effort, we’ve made big strides this season.

“The last couple of games have caught up with us.

“We’ve had a depleted squad for the last month or so and it’s told. The lads are giving their all but they look tired.

“We’ve had injuries to accommodate as well and it’s been a case of square pegs in round holes at times.

“We’ve been up against it but we’ve tried to make the best of what we have and remain competitive.”

Two more players joined the injury list at Sevenoaks, making them doubts for the final game.

Lex Allan was forced off at half-time with a hamstring problem, while captain Kane Rowland departed early in the second half after taking a knee to the back.

* Sittingbourne host an evening with former Tottenham captain Gary Mabbutt at Woodstock this Friday (7pm).

Tickets cost £35 and include burger and chips. To book, call Andrew Marjeram on 07484 289316 or email andrew@sittingbournefc.co.uk.