by Kevin Redsull

Canterbury City have appointed former Charlton Athletic midfielder Paul Murray as their new manager.

Murray, who was also capped by Northern Ireland at under-21 level, succeeds Dave Fairclough after his departure to take over as manager of Whitstable Town Reserves.

He said: "I was player-manager of (Deal side) Betteshanger Welfare a few years back but this will be the first time I have managed at this level. I’m excited about it because I have wanted to move back into management for some time.

"Canterbury have the potential to become one of the biggest clubs in Kent. After speaking with the chairman and vice-chairman, it was clear that they they are determined to move in the right direction."

Murray (pictured, right, with chairman Tim Clark) enjoyed a long playing career. After leaving Charlton, the 40-year-old played in Hong Kong for three years and when he returned to England, he spent the remainder of his career in Kent non-league football with spells at Dover, Dartford, Gravesend & Northfleet (now Ebbsfleet), Margate, Ramsgate and Deal Town.

He now has a full-time post as chief coach of the Deal Town FC Academy, based at Castle Community College in Deal, a position he will retain while managing Canterbury.

He added: "I think the two positions will link in nicely and hopefully I will be able to produce some good young players for Canterbury as well as for Deal Town.

"My target is to win the Kent County League title next season and then take City into the Kent League."

Canterbury chairman Tim Clark said: "Paul has got lots of experience and we have heard good reports of the work he has been doing at the Deal Town Academy."

The new Kent County League, Premier Division season starts on August 14.

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