Herne Bay’s search for a new manager has already met with a good response.

The club’s board met on Friday on the eve of Sam Denly’s last game in charge – a 3-0 defeat at Whyteleafe – to plan the way forward, with 15 applications already received.

Denly stepped down last week after four years in charge at Winch’s Field and his departure looks set to herald the start of a new era at the club, with the expected break-up of the present first team squad.

Paying tribute to Denly’s time at the helm, secretary and former chairman John Bathurst said: “Sam has been the best manager at the club.

“He was professional in the way he conducted himself and has been brilliant.”

The job specification confirms the new man will be required to work on a restricted budget “with the ability to coach the best out of players, contacts within the local football... and giving due consideration to the development of players coming through the club’s reserve team and youth system.”

Mr Bathurst said: “We want to see what the applicants have to offer. We are not going to throw bags of money at players and get mercenaries.

“We want somebody who is experienced as a coach, will work with young players and get them to perform.

“Most of the applicants so far are from people working at Southern Counties East League clubs, while another is an ex-professional coaching at a Conference club.”

“The deadline is Friday week, when we will draw up a shortlist followed by interviews, conducted by myself and fellow directors Ron Boddy and (chairman) Bill Dordoy, as well as two members of our 12-strong football committee.

“We will then advise them before they have the final vote.”

Bay also want to appoint a new reserve team manager to head a team in the Kent County League, Premier Division next season

The club have applied but may have to wait until the annual meeting in June before knowing whether they will be accepted.