The challenge here is a big one but a potentially very awarding and exciting one for anyone that wants to be a part of it, says Canterbury City joint-boss Ben Smith

CANTERBURY CITY have appointed former Herne Bay under 21 manager Alan Birchard as their new first team head coach.

The club finished their Southern Counties East Football League campaign in 12^th place under Ada Gower’s management and this summer have appointed former Herne Bay under 18s manager Ben Smith to join him as joint-manager.

The club’s second season at Ashford United will see the side play on the landlords’ newly-laid artificial pitch at Homelands Stadium.

“I am delighted to have been able to persuade Alan to join me at the club as I know he intended to take a break from football, having stepped down from his position at Herne Bay and also turning down Ryman League offers,” said Smith.

“I have worked closely with Alan before from my first team coaching and under 21 management times at Herne Bay, so have a great rapport and share similar football philosophies.

“The prospect of rebuilding this club with a new stadium around the corner was a big factor for him, as it seems to be for a lot of players that I am in talks with.

“The challenge here is a big one but a potentially very awarding and exciting one for anyone that wants to be a part of it.”

Canterbury City open their pre-season campaign with a game at Sittingbourne on Tuesday night (19:30).

The game will be played on the back pitches at Woodstock Park as the Ryman League Division One South club are not using their main stadium pitch until August.

Nick Davis’ side opened their pre-season campaign with a 5-2 win at Crockenhill yesterday, which was mainly a team of trialists against the Kent Invicta League outfit.

Bryan Bell, 19, scored a brace inside the opening 20 minutes for Sittingbourne and further goals were scored by defender Charlie Dickens, who is on trial from Canterbury’s league rivals Deal Town, and two second half goals came from pacy striker Fred Obasa.

Canterbury City will be Glebe’s first opponents at the Kent Invicta League club’s new ground in Chislehurst on Saturday, 18 July.

Visit Canterbury City’s website: www.canterburycityfc.com