Kent Football United are going in the right direction, says newly-appointed manager Ennio Gonnella

KENT FOOTBALL UNITED have announced the appointment of Ennio Gonnella and Billy Walton as their new management team following the resignation of Roy Davies.

Gonnella joins the Dartford based club after managing Erith Town and Eltham Palace last season, while Walton has previously managed Fisher and Greenwich Borough.

The move comes on the back of Davies’ resignation following the club’s 3-0 home defeat to struggling Rusthall last weekend.

“After a positive start to the season there was a swift decline in the commitment of the playing staff which subsequently left us taking two points from our last eight games and sitting bottom of the form table,” said a club statement.

“Roy Davies said he felt he couldn't take it any further and had exhausted all his contacts which has left him not enjoying his first managerial role in Step 6 football.

“As a club we would like to thank Roy and his assistants Dave and Rob for their efforts with the club during their 19 game stint and wish them the very best for the future. Kit man Gary Russell will continue in his role with the new management.”

Club development officer Sam MacNeil added: "It is a real shame that Roy was not able to fulfil the job to the full potential I know he would’ve liked to.

“He has been badly let down by players which I have also been in the past and it hurts and makes the job extremely hard.

“Working with only five at training when the clubs paying out for a 4G pitch just isn't right.

“I personally want to wish him and the other guys the very best, he was my appointment in the summer and we have done our best to support him in every way possible since he has been at the club. 

“Ennio and Bill provide us with a fresh start before the New Year and I have been busy filling in registrations for a host of new signings who will be joining the club.

“Marcus Cassius, Dominic Weston and Craig Dwyer will join in time for my caretaker game away to Sutton Athletic tomorrow.

“With the hard work we are doing on our ground to get it up to the grading requirements the target for Ennio and Bill is to build a solid foundation of a side that will finish around the middle of the league. Two wins gets you into the top half that's how close the middle pack of this league is.

“We wish them both a successful time with the football club."

Gonnella said: "Bill and I have been offered a number of roles from clubs in the last couple of months but they were not clubs that fit what we are trying to achieve.

“When the position came up for Kent Football United we jumped at the chance. The main reason for our application is the direction the club is going.

“You only have to look at all the hard work that Sam and his dad have achieved within a year. The transformation of the ground was evidence enough for Bill and I that Kent Football United is going in the right direction and are inspirations to anyone that have a goal to reach and is also prepared to work hard for it.

“So our decision was simple our target is to show and match the hard work off the pitch and reflect the same on the pitch.

“By doing so we are going to bring in some very good and talented players to move and rebuild the club, so that next year we have a chance of competing for the league.

“We have enough time to rebuild, assess and put our own structure in place and with this we hope for a mid table or above finish for this year."

Gonella and Walton will take charge for the first time on 19 December, when league leaders Glebe visit Lowfield Street.

Visit Kent Football United’s website:  http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/kentelitefootballclub