This isn’t going to be a quick fix but it will get fixed and I’m going to fix it. It just won’t happen overnight, says newly-appointed Sittingbourne boss Ryan Maxwell

SITTINGBOURNE have unveiled Ryan Maxwell as their new manager and direcor of football tonight after parting company with Nick Davis by mutual consent in midweek.

Davis left their league rivals VCD Athletic to take charge of Sittingbourne for a third time in May but the club won only six, drew eight and lost 11 of his 25 games in charge and are now involved in a relegation dog-fight.

Sittingbourne last tasted victory on Tuesday 11 October when they came away from Cray Valley (Paper Mills) with a 3-1 victory which sent the club into second-place.

Davis’ last game in charge was a 3-0 defeat to fellow strugglers Corinthian on Monday 2 January 2023.

First-team coaches Steve Whitton and Clint Gooding were in temporary charge of today’s 2-0 home defeat to Whitehawk, which was attended by Maxwell.

The club extended their winless run to 13 games and that form has seen Sittingbourne plumet into the bottom three in the Isthmian League South East Division table, having collected 17 points (four wins, five draws) from their 19 league games.

The Brickies are only four points clear of Corinthian and nine clear of Faversham Town, where Sammy Moore is the Lilywhites’ third management team of the season.

Sittingbourne announced Maxwell’s arrival via an audio interview on their club website following today’s home defeat to Brighton-based Whitehawk.

“I’m all energy, I’m very demanding. I know where we are. I’ve done this type of job twice before, once at Walthamstow and obviously at Braintree,” said Belfast born Maxwell, 39.

“It’s obviously difficult but I like the challenge. It’s part of the reason I’m here.  You’ll get lots of energy (from me), lots of noise. I’m quite a noisy man but ultimately I just want the best for this football club or anybody I work for.

“How can you not win? You’ve been clapped off at home after a 2-0 defeat.  I don’t think I’ve ever been a part of that before.

“We get fantastic support here, unbelievable. The boys are very lucky to be wearing a Sittingbourne shirt and I’ve tried to explain that today. 

“I’ve seen enough to know it’s a very privileged position to be playing here, or managing here and that’s going to be in everyone’s mind going forward. I’m privileged to be here.”

Maxwell is looking to add to his management team but wants Whitton and Gooding to remain at the club going forward.

“Yes, those guys are quality individuals as people. I’ve met them and they made a big impression and they love the club, absolutely love the club and why would they not?

“They’re more than welcome to be a part of this management team. 

“I will be adding to that and managers do have people who they work well with but I do need their insight.  They were invaluable today and they were a huge reason why we came in (at half-time) with a clean sheet, let me tell you.

“They had a big say in today’s tactics and line-up so they’re not just club men, they’re very useful too and a big thanks to both of them today.”

Maxwell added: “Put it this way, the DNA will change.  The standards of what is and isn’t accepted under me will change.  That’s nothing to do with the previous manager, whoever the previous manager was. 

“My style is certain things have to be done, every single game, not just in games. I’m talking about how you train.   Everything has to change here. This isn’t going to be a quick fix but it will get fixed and I’m going to fix it. It just won’t happen overnight.”

Maxwell’s first game in charge will be a trip to league leaders Ramsgate next Saturday.

Steve Lovell’s side have collected 42 points from their 20 league outings and lost 2-0 at third-placed Cray Valley (Paper Mills) this afternoon.

Ramsgate are three points clear of Chatham Town – who have a game in hand – and six points clear of Cray Valley, while the other two play-off places contain Whitehawk and Ashford United.

A Sittingbourne statement said: “Sittingbourne Football Club can announce that first-team coach Nick Davis has left his role at the club through mutual consent.

“The board have the upmost respect for Nick and wish him the very best in any future roles and would like to put their thanks on record for his time and commitment to the club this season.”