Lydd Town unveil Nicky Southall as their new manager

LYDD TOWN have appointed Nicky Southall as their new first team head coach and have announced that their former manager Dave Smith has returned to the club in his new role of chairman of football operations.

The club are rooted to the foot of the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division, having picked up three wins and three draws from their opening 14 league games.

Caretaker manager Ryan Smith won six, drew five and lost nine of his 21 games in all competitions ahead of Southall's arrival.

“Nicky joins us with a wealth of experience in both playing and coaching at the highest levels of football,” said a club statement.

“Nicky has been involved in football for many years, gaining valuable insights and knowledge that will serve our club well in what we all hope will be a positive move both one and off the pitch for the season ahead.”

Reflecting on Smith’s return to The Lindsey Field, the statement added: “Dave, a well-respected figure in the local football community, previously served in various capacities within the club, where he made a significant impact in shaping the club’s vision and operational success.

“In his new role, Dave will oversee all football-related operations, working closely with the director of football, first-team management, women’s teams, under 23s, youth teams and club officials to ensure a clear and unified approach to both our short and long-term footballing goals.

“We invite you to join us in taking this opportunity to welcome Nicky to the club and Dave upon his return and wish them both every success as they begin in their new roles respectively with the club.”

Southall was the manager of league rivals Lordswood before his departure on Monday 4 November after only 45 games in charge.

It now means that the bottom three sides have changed their manager in the ninth-tier division, with Lordswood above the drop zone with 13 points from 14 games, while Hollands & Blair are beneath the line with 13 points from 16 games, a point clear of Southall’s Lydders, who do have a couple of games in hand.

Hollands & Blair announced yesterday that Clint Gooding has stepped down from the manager's role after winning just one of his six games in charge of the club and Darren Blackburn has returned to manage the Gillingham based side.

Southall’s first game in charge of Lydd Town is for their home Challenge Cup Second Round side against Rochester United on Saturday.

Visit Lydd Town’s website: www.lyddtownfc.co.uk