Sittingbourne Football Club co-managers Jim and Danny Ward are working without a coach after Dover stopped Will Graham’s move to Bourne Park.

Graham (pictured) had agreed to be first-team coach under the Wards but it was felt the position could compromise his role in the academy set-up at Crabble.

Jim Ward said: "Will wasn’t allowed to come in the end. Dover decided there was a conflict of interests and, to be fair, they’re probably right.

"Me and Danny are taking training now. We’ll get on with it between the two of us and if someone else comes along, we’ll look at things again.

"Whatever happens, we’ll be organised come the first game of the season."

Sittingbourne have at least been able to bring in a couple of players from the Dover academy, with striker Sam Lowndes and defender Joe Harvey set to complete two-year contracts.

Lowndes scored in a friendly against the Brickies’ academy on Saturday but the match was abandoned before half-time due to a waterlogged pitch with Sittingbourne leading 2-0.

Ward (pictured) said: "They’re good players and we’re looking at a third.

"Dover aren’t going to put them in their first team when they’re looking to win Conference South so they have nowhere to go. Sam’s a busy centre-forward with a great touch and a decent attitude and he’ll definitely be in our 16-man squad this season.

"Joe’s a 6ft 4in centre-half and another one I’m looking forward to working with."

Sittingbourne will open their Ryman League Division 1 South campaign at newly-promoted Three Bridges on Saturday, August 18, followed by Folkestone at home four days later.

Ward (pictured) goes back to former club Ramsgate on November 10 with the return game at Bourne Park on the final day of the season on April 27.

He said: "It’s never easy going to a newly-promoted team on the first day of the season but we’ll be ready.

"Certainly the players who were here last season are loving our discipline and organisation.

"No disrespect to the previous management but it’s a lot more professional now."