SIMON Bryant, the boss of Deal Town FC, has emerged as one of the favourites to become the new manager of Herne Bay.

Bay chairman John Bathurst has confirmed that Bryant is one of several candidates in the running to succeed Nick Denly who resigned earlier this month.

One-time Whitstable manager John Roseman, Maidstone assistant Danny Ward and Bay playewr Jon Warden thought to be among the others.

Bryant was among the crowd for Herne Bay’s 1-1 draw with Whitstable on Monday and admitted before leaving Winch’s Field that he was interested in the job.

He said: “I’m Deal Town manager at the moment but I will have some decisions to make at the end of the season."

Bryant, who took over from Dave Dadd as manager in June 2001, led Deal to third place in the Kent League last season and they have been among the chasing pack behind Maidstone all this season.