by Alex Hoad

Richard Brady is set to be unveiled as the new manager of Sittingbourne following the acrimonious departure of Gary Abbott.

Brickies chairman Andy Spice turned to Brady - who had been assistant to Abbott - to take over the running of the Ryman League Division 1 side.

Mr Spice said: "We’re looking to go in a different direction and we’re hoping Richard Brady will be the man to do that.

"He already runs the academy which has provided us with a lot of players and is doing his pro-licence.

"We are not going to sit back, we want to go for those play-off positions again. We are talking to a couple of experienced heads to come and play alongside the youngsters so we have got the right mix."

Abbott was left dismayed by his departure after being told he would not be paid for his work next season.

He said: "It is a joke. Andy called me and told me he wants me to do it for nothing. I said ‘What about players?’ and he told me there might be a bit of money to bring one or two in.

"So he wanted us to train twice a week, go all through pre-season and spent all that time driving round the M25 for nothing."

Mr Spice added: "Gary Abbott is a good manager and will do well with some money to spend somewhere else.

"He’s done a good job here but things change and life goes on. If he’s taken umbridge then he shouldn’t have - if anything it means he’s got the opportunity to go to somewhere else with money.

"In the long run I think this is probably the best thing for all parties."