Kevin Watson has been appointed the new manager of Chatham Town.

He steps up from his role as player-coach at Maidstone Road, after being placed in temporary charge for the final three games of the season, following Paul Foley’s resignation last month.

Watson (pictured) takes over immediately with the club still waiting to hear which they league they will be playing in next season after finishing second bottom in Ryman League Division One South.

He met chairman Jeff Talbot last weekend for three hours and his appointment was confirmed at a committee meeting on Wednesday night.

Mr Talbot said: “I am absolutely delighted to have appointed Kevin. I felt his performance as a coach was exemplary, and outstanding in his time in charge, winning the Ryman League Performance of the Week award after the 1-1 draw against Bognor on the final day of the season.

“The effect he had on the side was very noticeable in the Easter Monday game at Eastbourne. He went there with only 11 players, including himself, and turned a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 win. I saw players that day who had been dragging their feet during the season, glide across the pitch, looking different players.

“I had a long chat with Kevin to see if we have the same views about the club and where it should be and believe he is right man for the job."

Essex-based Watson, a PE teacher at Halls Academy at Falconwood, is a fully qualified UEFA B coach.

He started his career Charlton, before having spells with Carshalton, Welling, Team Bath, Maidstone, Folkestone, and Concord Rangers. He followed Foley to Maidstone Road from VCD.

Mr Talbot added: “Last season was very disappointing and nowhere near what we were capable off. We now need to be more positive on the pitch.”

Off the field, the club have begun work on building an extension to the clubhouse, and plan to apply for a C ground grading when it is completed. They presently have a D rating.