by Andrew Gidley

Sittingbourne have been boosted by the return of two former players on the eve of the new Ryman League Division 1 South season.

Midfielder Colin Richmond (pictured) has returned from Maidstone, while defender Billy Manners is back at Bourne Park after leaving to help Met Police win the league title last season.

Sittingbourne boss Richard Brady described Manners’ return as an "unexpected bonus."

Brady, looking forward to his first game in charge at Eastbourne Town on Saturday, said: "I keep in touch with all the players who leave and speak to them on a regular basis and have a rapport with them all.

"Colin’s move was a mutual thing. He wanted to come back and play and be back in the fold. Billy kept in touch on a regular basis but it was a bolt out of the blue when he wanted to come back and he signed on Wednesday."

Keeper Tim Roberts has also signed, despite late interest from Margate.

Sittingbourne’s pre-season friendly against Billericay was called off on Saturday morning, after the Essex club’s defender Chris Wild fell nearly 40ft from a hotel balcony in Folkestone. He was taken to hospital by air ambulance but scans revealed only major bruising.

Hicham Akhazzan misses the trip to Eastbourne because of suspension.

Will Bourne's returnees help them beat Eastbourne? Have your say below.