Robbins fills management places - EXCLUSIVE

New Rye United manager Mike Robbins has today announced his first signings for the new season and has raided his old club Ashford Town to fill four key coaching positions, writes Stephen McCartney.

Terry McCann, a UEFA B Coach joins the club as Robbins' number two and assistant manager.

McCann was Robbins' skipper for two seasons whilst in Ashford Town’s reserve side before progressing to their Ryman League Division One side.

The second signing is John Whittaker who also joins the coaching set up from Ashford (via Kent League side Hythe Town) and will be the Sussex club’s fitness coach.

Whittaker is a serving soldier with the Royal Engineers and has recently gained the international Speed and Agility coaching award.

"Macca and John are both joining the club as players as well as coaches and I expect them to help me to bring a new level of professionalism to the club,” Robbins told www.kentishfootball.co.uk this morning. 

Sussex based sports scientist, Martin Larkin is the third signing, and again joins Robbins from Ashford via Reachfields Stadium.

Larkin was Robbins assistant at Ashford, and rejoins him as Head of Scouting and Head Analyst.

"This is an area that Martin excelled at Ashford and he really should be doing it at a higher level, but while he is available, I will be picking his brains,” Robbins said.

The final signing was of Stuart Playford – who helped steer Ashford Town clear of the relegation zone last season - who joins the club as the U18 coach.

Speaking about the former Hastings United player, Robbins said: "Stuart is an invaluable asset to the youth set up. We have some exceptional talent in there, and they will only improve with Stu.

"I hope that these signings will show that I am serious in making Rye United as professional as possible in preparation for the new season, which in my opinion can’t start early enough."

Rye United kick off pre season on 27th June at 7pm at the Salts.