By Kevin Redsull

New Sheppey United manager Stuart Davidson says he owes a debt of gratitude to Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler.

Davidson, who will lead the reformed Sheppey side back into the Kent County League Division 1 East next season, said: "I have got my UEFA B coaching badge and I took my Level 3 stage at the same time as Andy Hessenthaler and Nicky Southall.

"To be honest, they sailed through it and they also gave me quite a lot of help."

The 49-year-old has coached teams of various ages for the past 10 years and said: "I’m excited about the challenge of managing the new Sheppey United and I’m confident that this latest rebirth of the club will prove successful.

"I know that the previous attempt to resurrect the club in 2003 didn’t last but there is certainly plenty of young talent on the Island and our aim
is to take Sheppey United to as high a level as we can.

"The club has a great heritage and I want to help to rebuild it."

Sheppey played their first pre-season friendly on Saturday, when they beat Rochester & District League Premier Division side Park Regis 2-1.