Ryan Maxwell leaves Sittingbourne to be closer to home

SITTINGBOURNE begin the search for a new manager following the shock departure of Ryan Maxwell today.

The Brickies’ finished in third-place in the Isthmian League South East Division table, having picked up 75 points (22 wins, nine draws and seven defeats) from their 38 league outings.

Sittingbourne’s highest ever finish in the Isthmian League also gave them a stab at the play-offs for the first time but they suffered a 2-1 home defeat to fourth-placed finishers Three Bridges (73 points) on Tuesday night.

Three Bridges suffered a 5-0 home thrashing at the hands of fifth-placed finishers Chichester City (69) last night in the Play-Off Final.

Chichester City – won came away from runners-up Ramsgate (89) with a 1-0 semi-final win – will join champions Cray Valley (Paper Mills) (95) in the Isthmian League Premier Division for the very first time next season.

“Sittingbourne FC can regrettably confirm that first team manager Ryan Maxwell has left the club,” said a club statement.

“With the team rooted in the relegation zone last season when Ryan and his team took over, we went on to stay up and to break several club records on the way.

“An amazingly successful campaign this season which saw us unfortunately just miss out in reaching the Play-Off Final.

“Ryan has been up front and honest with the club and has given his all for us since the day he arrived and advised us last night that his departure was purely based on a family and location decision, with it being the hardest decision of his career to leave the club.

“The club did all that we possibly could to keep Ryan and his team but we fully understand his reasons especially with his young family in situ.

“We would like to thank Ryan for all his hard work and appreciate everything he has done in his time at the club.

“Work is already underway to find a new manager and we will update when we are in a position to do so.”

The Belfast-born 40-year-old was in charge of 66 league and cup games, where Sittingbourne won 33, drew 19 and lost 14.

Maxwell added in a statement: “An incredibly hard decision to leave a club I’ve loved. Sittingbourne has been special and the fans, well, you became friends.

“It’s purely a family decision to be closer to home and an opportunity has presented itself to do so.”

Meanwhile, Ramsgate have confirmed that manager Ben Smith will remain in charge next season, despite the big-spending club not winning promotion this season.

Seb Tidey leaves the dug-out to become director of football, while Lee Hook and Sean Hill will coach the side next season.

Talisman striker, Joe Taylor, meanwhile, who scored 53 goals this season, has signed a new contract to stay at the club next season.