Newly appointed Chatham Town Women’s manager Keith Boanas knows he has an immediate fight on his hands but sees a bright future ahead.

Chatham lost 6-1 at home to Ipswich Town on Sunday and sit second from bottom in the National League South table, still searching for a first win of the season.

It’s been a turbulent time for Chats, losing manager Dan Logue on the eve of the new season and then being taken over at first by interim boss Jesus Cordon before his departure left chairman and first-team boss Kevin Hake at the helm.

Boanas’ appointment will bring stability to the team and he’s determined to turn things around.

He said: “Having watched the team play over the last few weeks, I am really excited for this opportunity. Having met with Kevin I did not hesitate when the offer was confirmed.

“At this point in time we have a fight on our hands to start winning games and moving up the table.

“I have worked at both ends of the spectrum and the one promise I always make and keep, is that I will give everything I can to achieve success for the club I represent.

“We will start work immediately to improve results, whilst playing good football and I encourage all Chatham supporters to share some of the great support you give to the men’s team.

“The women’s game, on the back of the National team’s success is for sure going to continue growing, wouldn’t it be great to see our women’s team competing at the highest level?

“This is by no means an impossibility with drive, belief and everyone pulling together.”

Boanas has previously worked at Charlton, Millwall Lionesses, Watford and been the Estonia manager and takes up his position at the club immediately.

The club say that: “Keith has a strong track record of success within the women’s senior game and is widely recognised as being one of the leading coaches in England.”

Hake will now have one less responsibility was delighted to get the experienced manager onboard.

He said: “Keith brings with him a wealth of experience both domestically and internationally, along with his development strategy for players.

“His passion in how the game should be played really stood out when considering who to entrust with the important next steps forward for our club.

“I am delighted to be able to move so quickly to secure Keith’s services and would like to formally welcome him to Chatham Town.”

Boanas picks up a team that are lacking in confidence, with a big weekend loss behind them.

It was Hake’s last in charge and he admitted it was a “disappointing” performance and “weren’t at the races first half.” They were 4-0 down at the break.

He added: “When you come in at half time 4-0 down you give yourself a mountain to climb.

“The girls were much improved second half and we unlucky not to score a few more.

“We know we are in a bottom end of table battle currently so we know these games against the top teams are a bonus if your get anything out them.

“Games against the teams in and around us are even more essential now as we push to get ourselves out of the relegation zone.

“We’ve put points on the board so we are only a win away from getting out trouble and dragging other teams into it.

“What we are prepared for is the fight as there is a lot of spirit amongst this group and I know they have the tools to continue to put things right.”

The new manager met the squad on Tuesday night ahead of the club’s formal announcement on Wednesday morning.