James Collins steps down as Chatham Town manager after two years in the job

CHATHAM TOWN begin the search for a new manager following the shock news that James Collins has resigned from the job.

“James Collins has resigned as the manager of Chatham Town Football Club,” said a club statement.

“The club would like to thank James for all his hard work over the last two years in winning two trophies that were the first silverware that the club has secured in 20 years.

“We would like to wish James all the best in the future.”

The club are presently sitting at the top of the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table with 21 points from 11 games.

Second placed Beckenham Town – who they play in The Buildbase FA Vase First Round at home on Saturday 12 October – are level on points but with they do have three games in hand over managerless Chatham.

The club have not confirmed who will be in charge when bottom-of-the-table Punjab United visit Maidstone Road on Tuesday night (19:45).

Collins, who took over from Paul Piggott on Wednesday 27 September 2017, when the club were sitting in the bottom four in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division, was in charge for 102 games in all competitions.

Chatham Town celebrated winning 59 wins, drew 17 and lost 26 games during Collins' tenure and they celebrated a cup winning double last season, winning both the Kent Senior Trophy and Challenge Cup.

Visit Chatham Town's website: www.chathamtownfc.com