WHITSTABLE TOWN FC have appointed Matt Toms as their manager after his predecessor Jason Bragg was jailed for year.

Bragg’s conviction for assault and indecent assault at Canterbury Crown Court came three days after he had played in Town’s 5-3 defeat of Slade Green, lifting the side to second in the Go Travel Kent League - and leading to his announcement as the league's manager of the month.

Toms, who had been Bragg's assistant, took charge of the side for Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Deal, and has now been appointed manager.

Chairman Joe Brownett said the club were disappointed at what had happened to Bragg, and that the possibility of him returning would be left open. He said: “We are very lucky to have Matt. He has a lot of experience and we know his heart is in the job. We hope he can carry us forward and continue what he and Jason have started.”

Toms formerly managed Maidstone to promotion from the Kent County League, before they appointed former Ramsgate boss Jimmy Ward to lead their campaign for promotion from the Kent League.