Paul Foley says the prospect of managing in Ryman League Division 1 North again doesn’t diminish his enthusiasm for the new challenge at Chatham.

Hours after announcing Foley’s appointment to succeed Alex O’Brien, the Medway club’s delight at getting their number one target was replaced by disappointment after an e-mail from the Football Association revealed a proposed reshuffle sending them back to Division 1 North after only one season.

Foley (pictured) said: "It doesn’t affect my position, I would have honestly preferred to be in Division 1 South, but we know the league and perhaps Chatham were very astute in appointing me."

Foley quit VCD to take up his position at Chatham, leaving behind another dispute with the FA, after the Crayford club were demoted back to the Kent League for failing to meet the ground criteria.

However, he revealed he had made the decision to leave some time ago.

"I made my mind up at the turn of the year when there were a few problems, the budget was cut to pay for the ground works," he said.

"They carried them out in good faith, and now this happens. I think they have got a very good case, and I don’t really know what’s going on."

Foley seems poised to bring his managerial team with him to Maidstone Road. His number two, former Maidstone defender Mark Newson, coach Andy Silk, goalkeeping coach Barry Bell, who has been with Chatham before, and physio Phil Jeffs are all set to join him.