It's a great honour and privilege to get the Lydd first team job, says Liam Smith

LYDD TOWN have appointed assistant manager Liam Smith as their new manager after his dad decided to step aside at the end of the season.

Lydd Town completed their last Kent Invicta League campaign in seventh-place, having won 21 and drawn five of their 38 games.

Liam Smith was this morning appointed the club’s new manager and says he’s got big shoes to fill, as he wants to challenge for promotion next season.

The Kent Invicta League is no more following tomorrow’s Kent Invicta League Challenge Trophy Final between Glebe and Sutton Athletic at Sheppey United’s Holm Park.

The league will merge with the Southern Counties East Football League to become Division One next season.

There are three league games being played tonight.  AC London host Seven Acre & Sidcup at Banstead Athletic tonight, Gravesham Borough can leapfrog over Lydd into seventh-place with a home win over Phoenix Sports Reserves in their last game at Rochester United’s Rede Court Road ground before moving in at Chatham Town’s Maidstone Road ground next season.

Orpington have hired Glebe’s Foxbury Avenue ground in Chislehurst to play FC Elmstead, who will finish their first season at this level in eleventh-place should they win.

FC Elmstead manager Fabio Rossi has revealed that he will be without eight first team players as they are on holiday, with only Dan Carpenter, Harry West, Danny Patterson, Benga Ogunseye and possibly Steve Strotten available.

“Firstly, thank you and it’s a great honour and privilege to get the Lydd first team job,” said Liam Smith.

“I made my first team debut at 15-years-old, I left the club for a few years but then I returned when my dad took over for his second spell.

“I only took the first team coaching job due to injury, it’s funny how things work out!

“As for aims for next season, it’s simple in my eyes to mount a serious title challenge and get out tremendous home form back of recent years that has seen us so successful.

“My dad has won most things as a manager with Bromley Green and Lydd so it will be big shoes to fill but a challenge. I feel I am ready.

“He’s not only my dad but my friend and mentor and will be missed around the place. Hopefully he will still take a vested interest.

“I won’t be getting people in who are after a pound note and not committed to myself and the football club – it seems players’ first question these days is about money!

“I can’t wait to get started with my plans and prep. I have lots of ideas I would like to implement, not just on the pitch but off it also.

“Lastly, I would like to thank (chairman) Pat Lindsay and (secretary) Bruce Marchant for this incredible opportunity and their backing.”

Visit Lydd Town’s website: http://www.lyddtownfc.co.uk/