The ambition at Faversham Town remains clear and the club will be fully backing Steven Watt and Frannie Collin as seventh-placed finishers look to challenge for promotion next season

FAVERSHAM TOWN chairman Gary Smart has appointed Steven Watt as their new manager yesterday, alongside Frannie Collin who will take on the role of assistant manager.

The pair were in temporary charge for the final four league games of last season, after the club parted company with Tommy Warrilow on 5 April.

Injured player-coach Collin was appointed caretaker manager and brought in Watt and the Lilywhites remained unbeaten in their last four games, beating Sheppey United (3-0), basement side East Grinstead Town (2-0), came away from Sevenoaks Town with a 2-2 draw, before holding title-winners Three Bridges to a 2-2 home draw on the final day of the season.

Faversham Town had to settle for a seventh-place finish in the Isthmian League South East Division table, having picked up 74 points (20 wins, 14 draws and eight draws), finishing five points adrift of the play-offs in their first campaign back in the eighth-tier after a two-year absence.

“The club believes that the addition of Steve Watt for the management structure, working closely alongside Frannie, creates a strong and balanced partnership,” said a club statement.

“Frannie’s close connection with the existing squad and understanding of the dressing room environment will help bring the very best out of the players both on and off the pitch.

“Consistency in and around the dressing room was a major factor behind this appointment.

“Since taking charge towards the end of last season, Steve and Frannie made an immediate impact and delivered noticeable improvements across the squad, performances and overall atmosphere at the club.

“The board undertook a thorough recruitment process and would like to place on record its thanks to all applicants who took part.  The quality and calibre of candidates was exceptional, which made the final decision an extremely difficult one.

“Steve Watt brings a wealth of experience, leadership, organisation and professionalism to the role and the club believes his qualities, combined with Frannie’s passion and connection with the squad, provide a strong platform for the future.

“As preparations begin for the new season, the management team will be working hard to strengthen the squad with a number of key additions. The ambition at Faversham Town Football Club remains clear, and the club will be fully backing Steve and Frannie as we look to challenge for promotion next season.

“Everyone at the club would like to wish Steve and Frannie every success in their new roles, and we look forward to an exciting new chapter together with our players, supporters, volunteers and sponsors behind us.”

Aberdeen, Scotland, born Watt, 41, made one Premier League appearance under Jose Murinho at Chelsea and the centre-half went on to play for Barnsley (loan), Swansea City, Inverness Caledonian Thistle (loan), Ross County, Grimsby Town.

He then moved to Kent and dropped into non-league football to play for Dover Athletic, Maidstone United, Hemel Hempstead Town, Leatherhead and Hastings United.

Watt – who also has five Scotland Under 21 caps to his name – has also managed Margate, adopted home-town club Maidstone United and Hythe Town.

Collin, 39, meanwhile, whose four games in caretaker charge of the Lilywhites last month was his first as a football manager, started his career at Chatham Town under Clive Walker, before the prolific striker was snapped up by Gillingham and going on to play for Dover Athletic, Tonbridge Angels, Maidstone United, Leatherhead, Hastings United, Margate, Hythe Town, Ashford United and Faversham Town.

Collin, who is currently on the sidelines with a ruptured Achilles, has dropped further back into a holding midfielder role over recent seasons.

Visit Faversham Town’s website: www.favershamtownfc.co.uk