Erith Town unveil James Collins as their new boss

ERITH TOWN are delighted to announce this morning that James Collins has been appointed the club’s new first team manager and Dean Morris remains player- coach.



The decision to promote the 29-year-old reserve team manager was finalised following last night’s 2-2 draw at Cray Valley (Paper Mills) in the Macron Kent League Cup First Round First Leg.

A club statement, which was published on the club’s website www.erithtownfc.com said: “James has managed our reserve team since 2010 and brought a number of players through the reserves and progressed them to the first team and knows the club inside out.

“We would like to wish James and Dean every success and thank everyone who has shown an interest in the manager’s vacancy.”

The club were left shocked by Tony Russell’s decision to part company with the Dockers after leading them to the top of the Kent League table with a 3-1 home win over Beckenham Town last Saturday.

The 33-year-old was unveiled as VCD Athletic’s manager the next morning and will take charge of his first game on Saturday – away to Corinthian – in the Second Leg of the Macron Kent League Cup.

Matt Longhurst’s side go into the game a goal up, courtesy of Sam May’s first goal of the season last weekend.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the Kent League, Fisher boss Steve Firkins has tonight unveiled three new signings as he aims to climb the table.

The Fish only have Sevenoaks Town and Holmesdale behind them in the table, having picked up one win and three draws from their opening twelve league outings.

Left-back, Mark Lewis, who scooped the club’s player-of-the-season award in season 2010-11, has returned to Champion Hill from Ryman League Division One North side Chatham Town.

Also signing are right-back Keiran Kenlock and centre-back Dylan Merchant, who have recently left Ryman League Division One South side Tooting & Mitcham United.

The trio are all expected to turn out against Deal Town at Champion Hill on Saturday, in their first leg Macron Kent League Cup clash against Derek Hares’ side.