Lordswood unveil Mitchell as their new manager - EXCLUSIVE

Kent League side Lordswood have appointed Shawn Mitchell, 34, as their new manager, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Strood resident fought off nine other applicants to land the role at Martyn Grove, replacing Paul Piggott who resigned earlier in the month.

Mitchell, who was officially appointed yesterday morning, played for Chatham Town for ten years and the season before last he guided Cliffe based side Wainscott Arrows to the last eight of the FA Sunday Cup.

Last season he managed Kent County League premier division side Snodland, and has also played for Lordswood and Herne Bay.

Lordswood club secretary, Mr Steve Lewis, explained why the club have appointed Mitchell.

“We had ten applicants in total - we short-listed four and we interviewed all four of those on Wednesday,” he said EXCLUSIVLEY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight.

“Basically he’s a local lad, he’s played at that (Kent League) level. He’s enthusiastic with plenty of drive.

“As a player he was quite a determined individual, he was a player who basically worked very hard, always gave 110%.

“He was dynamic and sociable and we’re hoping he can generate that spirit at Lordswood and get us on an even keel.”

Former boss Piggott has already found himself a new job in the Kent League as Faversham Town’s new first team coach.

“We were very grateful for what Paul Piggott has done during the last three and a half years and we wish him well in his role at Faversham Town,” said Mr Lewis.

And Mr Lewis hopes Mitchell will be able to bring in some much needed prize money from the early rounds of the FA Cup and FA Vase in his first season managing a Kent League club.

He said: “Clearly we’d like to achieve our best result in the Kent League. We want to beat (what) Paul achieved and we would like to do well in the FA Cup and FA Vase and get through the earlier rounds.”