Bly Spartans will play under a new name and manager in the Kent Hurlimann League next season.

The Strood club are seeking permission from the Kent County Football Association to change their name to Rochester United and have appointed former player Glen Barlow as their new boss.

The club, the first champions of the new Kent Invicta League last season, expect to have their promotion confirmed by the Football Association’s National Leagues Committee on Friday.

Formed in 1982, they began life as Templars, with links to the former Temple School in Cliff Road, before changing their name to Bly, due to president Bernard Hurst and chairman Dave Archer’s family links with Blythe in the North East.

Secretary Tony Wheeler said: "We have notified the KCFA about the change and are waiting to hear back.

"We wanted a name to give us an identity. We looked at several other options but it was a unanimous decision by the committee to become Rochester United."

Former player Barlow, 37, takes over from Matt Hume, who stepped down at the end of last season after guiding the club to promotion following five years in charge. It is his first job in management.

He said: "I have a lot of experience at this level and am pleased to get the job and am looking forward to the new challenge."