Ben Smith is back at Canterbury City.
The former player and youth team manager has been appointed joint-manager, working alongside former team-mate Ada Gower.

Schoolteacher Smith, who has been coaching at Herne Bay for two years said: “I am delighted to be back at the club where I have had success previously.

“I achieved a lot in my first spell but believe I have unfinished business and am excited by the opportunity."

Gower added: I know Ben well, he is very enthusiastic and wants to get involved.”

Smith added: “It was a tough decision to leave Bay where I enjoyed some fantastic times and developed, working alongside Sam Denly and Gavin Theze who have worked miracles there.

“I intend to use the experience gained to drive City forward to match the club’s off-pitch ambitions. City performed creditably last season and it’s a case of building on this, with opportunities for players to come in and be part of the challenge.”

City’s future looks bright, following the city council’s confirmation of plans for a new stadium at Hersden.

The club will continue to play at Ashford United next season, with a new 3G pitch presently being installed at Homelands.

Gower also confirmed that Danny Lawrence has verbally committed to returning, having moved to Ramsgate last season.