Damien Hodge has agreed to remain as Hollands & Blair’s assistant manager.

It’s a decision that Blair’s new boss Darren Blackburn has hailed as a great first signing.

Hodge has occupied the same role under former managers Bryan Greenfield and Clint Gooding.

He spent a decade at Sittingbourne before spells at Tonbridge Angels, Maidstone United and Bly Spartans, who he helped win the Kent Invicta League.

Hodge joined Blair six years ago, playing for two seasons before taking over the running of the reserves and more recently stepping up to the number two role.

Blackburn said: "I'm over the moon to have Hodgey on board as my number two, I couldn't have asked for a better first signing.

“We've known each other nearly 30 years.

“He brings a wealth of football knowledge and a great understanding of what it takes to be successful at this level. Like myself, he knows our club inside out, he's a fantastic character in the dressing room and the players and myself respect and trust him."

Blair have also appointed a goalkeeper coach and matchday first aider. Dan Phillips, formerly of K Sports, takes over from Damien Hopkins.

“I'd like to thank (Damien) for his services to the club,” said the Blair boss.

Blackburn is busy assembling his team for the new season but will be without striker Rob Denness, who has made the switch to Southern Counties East League rivals Sheppey United.

Denness returned to Blair from Greenwich Borough at the start of last season but suffered a bad injury early on, keeping him out for most of the campaign. He returned late on, scoring a hat-trick in their 4-1 win over Erith Town.