Hopefully we'll make Sittingbourne a major force, says new coach Will Graham

WILL GRAHAM says the club’s new management structure will hopefully make Sittingbourne a major force in Kent next season.



The former Maidstone United and Ramsgate midfielder was appointed as the club’s new coach last Thursday and is looking forward to working with joint-managers Jim and Danny Ward after enjoying a successful time at Ramsgate.

The Ward brothers were unveiled as the club’s new joint-managers after Joe Dowley struggled in his first managerial role after the club finished third-from-bottom in the Ryman League Division One South last season.

Graham, 26, who has been coaching for ten years now, is a current UEFA B licensed coach, a Level 2 goalkeeping licenced coach, FA Disabled Award licenced coach.

He has previously worked for Arsenal, Soccer Elite FA, New York Red Balls and last season coached Dover Athletic’s under 15’s.

“I am looking to achieve my UEFA A licence and this will progress my coaching CV and experience,” Graham said today.

“I wanted to move into a senior first team position this season and was in talks with Simon Halsey at Herne Bay at the start of the year.  Also there was a possibility of joining Nicky Forster’s management team at Dover Athletic in some aspect.

“But then I knew my old gaffer had the job at Sittingbourne I had a brief chat with them and the rest is history.

“Obviously I have not worked with adults or at senior level before as a coach, but Jim and Danny showed great trust in me and I know I have enough playing and coaching experience and ability to push the lads and myself to the max and hopefully produce for the gaffer and Sittingbourne Football Club.

“Jim and Danny have done it at senior level and it is our job to bring some structure back to Sittingbourne and hopefully help make Sittingbourne a massive force back in these areas again.”

Former Ramsgate midfielder Simon Pettit has arrived at Bourne Park and the long-throw specialist has been appointed as captain.

Sittingbourne have announced that Hicham Akhazzan, Jason Dolby, Joe Harvey, Luke Girt, Matt Reed, Thomas Loynes and Pettit have all put pen to paper on new contracts.

Graham said: “The playing squad looks really exciting for next season and with the gaffer’s experience and my enthusiasm we will always put 100% in pushing our way up the table, but also we know it is not going to happen overnight.”

Graham’s coaching credentials came to light last season when he enjoyed a successful campaign coaching the under 15’s at Conference South club Dover Athletic.

Graham will combine coaching roles at Sittingbourne and Dover Athletic next season and is looking forward to the challenges ahead.

He said: “I actually won contribution youth award last season at Dover Athletic for my efforts to the publicity, achievement and dedication to working for Dover Athletic.

“Obviously with this it has raised my profile in the club and I was put forward by the youth section committee and Dover Athletic directors to take the position of youth section chairman, which at 26 is a position not rarely seen for my age, but I have a really good relationship with the club’s directors and have always acted in the appropriate manner when it comes to Dover Athletic matters so I have taken the position and look forward to the role.

“I will balance the roles between Sittingbourne and Dover Athletic youth, not that my pregnant girlfriend will be very happy with me out coaching six days a week and I will deliver 100% in both roles as coaching is my life.”

Visit Sittingbourne’s website: www.sittingbournefc.co.uk

Visit Dover Athletic’s website: www.doverathletic.com