Former Sheppey full-back Peter King is returning to The Ditch as head coach in place of Frank Davis.

King was confirmed as the new coach at a committee meeting last week after club officials decided not change their mind about bringing in a new man.

Davis, having always said he would step down after three years in charge, had recently been persuaded by his players to reconsider.

But, according to director of rugby Andy Hosken, the decision to appoint a new man had already been made even though Sheppey finished the season with a flourish with eight wins in their last 11 league games.

Hosken said: "Believing that Frank would be stepping down at the end of this season, we decided to start looking for another coach in January.

"We approached a number of possible candidates, one of whom was Peter, and we eventually decided he was the right man to replace Frank."

Hosken added: "We think that with his experience, ideas and enthusiasm, Peter will be able to build on the strong foundations that Frank has built over the past three years."

Davis will take charge of Sheppey for the last time in Sunday’s Kent Salver final against Gillingham Anchorians at Old Elthamians RFC.

Hosken added: "Frank has done a great job for this club over the past three years, especially in his determination to bring in younger players and we are now reaping the fruits of that policy. He has been a great ambassador for the club."