My priority remains to put us into a position where we can compete against every team in this league, says newly-appointed Sittingbourne boss Chris Lynch

SITTINGBOURNE manager Chris Lynch takes charge for the first time when he takes his side to Ramsgate tomorrow.

The Brickies' are sitting in the bottom four in the Bostik South East Division table with 17 points from 18 games and are only a point clear of basement side Faversham Town.

Lynch has been busy bringing in new players to Woodstock Park ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Southwood Stadium, having been appointed on 10 January 2019, replacing Aslan Odev who lasted a year.

Midfielder Billy Lewins became Lynch’s first signing, arriving from Margate after spending much of the campaign at Hythe Town and he was quickly joined by defender Joshua Spencer, who has also at Hartsdown Park.

Striker Liam Middleton, full-back Manny N’Dew and another player for whom International clearance is still being obtained, make up the quintet and Lynch is expected to make further signings next week.

“We have had a busy week, lots to get up to speed on, from staff, wages, development, youth squads, new signings, ground improvements and of course, International clearance paperwork between FA’s for our latest exciting addition,” Lynch told the clubs Facebook page.

“It is important to remember, not all of these players will feature in the starting XI over the next few games.  Some of these signings are designed to enhance our squad depth and place competition, which was heavily depleted upon my arrival.

“The success of any squad relies upon competition for places at any level.  There is a blend of young, hungry and talented up and coming individual and then the more experienced, who will arrive after Monday.

“These are exciting times for the club and I am sure they will all be made to feel welcome and some maybe even loved (by our supporters) in time, who knows.

“My priority remains to put us into a position where we can compete against every team in this league.

“I believe these signings have added to the quality already existing within the squad and will be a major contributing factor until the end of the season.

“The lads will need time to settle in and support, don’t expect us to suddenly now go on and win every game from here out but what you can expect is that every player who pulls on that shirt will be organised, know their roles and responsibilities and of course be determined to work hard for each other.

“Our DNA is built around hard work and determination, which is epitomised by our club captain Chris Webber and the current squad.

“I have inherited some fantastic players who were already here, each of them I firmly believe will progress in the game.  My job is to manage them correctly, motivate them and set them up to succeed – and we will succeed!”

Meanwhile, work is to start shortly to completely renovate the lower building at Woodstock Park. When the work has been completed, the building will include two new dressing rooms and two referee’s dressing rooms. The completed dressing rooms will meet the new FA regulations on dressing room sizes.

Aylesbury – who are in the bottom three in the Evo-Stik Southern Division One Central table - have been told they will be relegated at the end of the season after failing to meet the new dressing room requirements.

Visit Sittingbourne’s website: www.sittingbournefc.uk

Ramsgate  v  Sittingbourne
Bostik South East Division
Saturday 19 January 2019
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Southwood Stadium, Prices Avenue, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 0AN