Chatham Town unveil James Collins as their new manager

CHATHAM TOWN have appointed James Collins as their new manager.

The club parted company with Paul Piggott last Thursday, who was in charge for 37 games, winning six, drawing nine and losing 22 during his time at the struggling Maidstone Road club.

Chatham Town suffered relegation from the Isthmian League at the end of last season but are struggling in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division and are in seventeenth-place (bottom four) in the table, having collected a win and two draws from their opening eight league outings.

Director of football Steve Binks took charge of their 4-2 home defeat (after extra time) to Kensington Borough in The FA Vase Second Qualifying Round last weekend.

“After receiving over 60 applicants we are pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement with James Collins to become the next manager of Chatham Town FC,” said a brief club statement, that was issued yesterday.

One player has already departed Chatham, following Piggott’s departure and that is Chris Saunders, who has signed for Whitstable Town, who have also snapped up Josh Burchell from Bostik South side Hythe Town.

Collins, 34, who was controversially axed by Cray Valley in August, was part of Greenwich Borough’s coaching staff for a short period before taking over at Chatham Town yesterday.

His first game in charge will be at home to Beckenham Town on Saturday.