CANTERBURY City Football Club have confirmed the appointment of Lorna Shilling as their new ladies’ team manager.

Shilling, who had an impressive track record with Whitstable Ladies, says she is returning to management with “fresh enthusiasm” and the desire to build a winning team from scratch.

After returning to the area last year she saw the news that City intended including ladies’ and girls’ football as part of their 'inclusive’ plan for the future.

As a result she got in touch with chairman Phil Knight to offer her services and experience.

The Whitstable team she managed from 2001 twice won the Kent Suburban League and in their first season in the South East Counties League (2004) finished runners-up and won the cup.

After success at Whitstable she decided to “recharge the batteries” and moved away.

Now she says she is “excited by the idea of seeing Canterbury get the club it deserves” and working with the ladies’ team, which will be applying to join the South East Counties League.

She hopes that experienced players as well as people who have never played the game will come forward for training and trial days in May. Any players who are interested in attending these sessions or assisting with the development of the team are asked to contact Lorna on zapem99@yahoo.co.uk or via the club’s website www.canterburycityfc.com

Men’s first team manager Dave Fairclough said he looked forward to working with Lorna: “We have spoken already and I was very impressed by the enthusiasm and ambition she has for the team.

“The fact that we will have a Canterbury City Ladies’ team to start the 2007/8 season is a real bonus, clearly demonstrating our commitment to be an inclusive club that represents the community.”