Sam Denly says he has learned a lot from his first season in management.

The Herne Bay boss has achieved his main task of preserving the club’s Ryman League Division 1 South status in what has been a difficult, rain-ravaged campaign, which also saw the departure of the man who appointed him, former chairman Trevor Kennett.

Denly, who made the immediate switch from player to manager, when he succeeded Simon Halsey said: “There were a lot of questions asked when I got the job saying I didn’t have the experience.

“The roles are completely different, management is more stressful, but nothing has happened which I didn’t expect.

“One thing I do know after having 14 players unavailable last weekend is that I didn’t sign enough, and should have registered myself.

“It has been a long season, a freak one really, having to play three games a week after losing so many matches to the weather.

“I have enjoyed it, but I am also looking forward to having a break.”

Denly has already started planning for next season, admitting: “I am speaking to players who I hope to bring in next season, while many of the present squad have already committed.”