Striker Duane Acheampong has been released by Sittingbourne.

The big forward, who impressed on loan last season, joined the Brickies on a permanent deal from Bowers & Pitsea in November.

But he’s made a swift exit, with new boss Ryan Maxwell putting his faith in recent signing Chaynie Burgin.

Burgin proved his worth last night, opening the scoring in a 2-0 victory at VCD as Maxwell picked up his first win.

Another new recruit, defender Joe Tyrie, added the second goal as the Brickies won an Isthmian South East game for first time since mid-October.

“We’re saying goodbye to Duane,” said Maxwell.

“It’s nothing to with his performance because in the game I saw against Whitehawk I thought he played well before he picked up a knock.

“I just need to structure the team and structure behind the scenes differently.

“Financially as well, I need to bring things in line.

“I’m not just the manager, I’m the director of football, so I have a duty of care for the club.

“I want everything to be a little bit better in every aspect in the club.

“The decision to let Duane go is not a reflection on his performances, it’s needs must.

“We’ve brought in a very good player in Chaynie Burgin who I think will do really well for this club.

“They’re quite similar and it’s a case of not being able to keep both. We wish Duane well. I’ve no doubt he’ll get a decent club.”

Sittingbourne were hit by two postponements after drawing 1-1 at league leaders Ramsgate in Maxwell’s first match.

Home games against East Grinstead, on Tuesday last week, and Chichester, on Saturday, both fell victim to the weather.

They arranged a last-minute friendly against Erith Town at the weekend - winning 2-1 - before last night's league success at VCD.

Maxwell, who takes Sittingbourne to promotion-chasing Beckenham this Saturday (2pm), says the players must take the credit as his side climb the table.

“We’re two players away from being a very, very good side at this level, and a little bit of gelling,” said Maxwell.

“I’ve said to some of my colleagues - other managers - there’s good players here.

“They’ve under-performed and just needed a reminder of the standards that need to be upheld.

“I’m not going to take too much credit if results do change and become positive because the players were already here.

“Me and my staff have got stuck into them and the players have enjoyed the demands and the change.”

The Chichester postponement meant a planned fans’ forum with Maxwell after the game also had to be put back.

That has been rearranged for February 4, with the new manager keen to engage with supporters.

“That’s the least the fans deserve,” said Maxwell.

“From my research, it’s widely known Sittingbourne fans are the best supporters in the league. It’s important to give a bit back.

“I’m big on that. I was at Walthamstow when the Walthamstow Rabble started.

“We stayed up on the last day of the season and I went round to the pub with the fans after the game and that was the Walthamstow Rabble.

“At Braintree, I got among the fans, too, because we were under it financially last year and the support was hugely appreciated.

“I’m a manager who likes to be approachable. I’m a salt-of-the-earth type of person and I’m happy to meet supporters and answer questions honestly.

“Non-league clubs only survive because of the fans - managers come and go - so the least you can do is show them respect and speak to them.”