by Steve Tervet

Herne Bay expect to appoint their new manager by the middle of next week.

Chairman Trevor Kennett and the club’s committee are meeting on Thursday night to whittle down 45 applicants to a shortlist of five or six.

In the search for Simon Halsey’s successor, Kennett wants to bring in someone who can help the club get on a footing with their local rivals and push towards promotion next season.

He said: "When you look at Faversham, Hythe and Folkestone (who all finished in the play-off places), I don’t think we’re much different as a club. We’re as capable as they are. I don’t think it’s wildly optimistic to say we could reach the play-offs."

Interviews for the manager’s job will take place over the weekend and into the start of next week.

Mr Kennett said: "We want to get this right but it’s important to have the new manager in place as soon as possible because there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work we need.

"Players are under pressure to sign contracts and that includes our current squad. They’re reasonably loyal but they want to have conversations with the new manager about next season."

Former Bay boss Halsey was unveiled as Lordswood’s new manager this week.