The break-up of Sittingbourne’s side has turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

New-look Brickies are up to third place in Bostik South after a 5-1 win at Horsham on Saturday.

Boss Nick Davis rebuilt after losing all bar two of last season’s squad.

As well as that, it’s allowed him to look at himself as a manager.

Davis said: “It’s helped starting from scratch.

“I’ve been loyal to players, which is fantastic, but it’s also been my downfall.

“I look back to last season and maybe I was giving people opportunities they shouldn’t be getting and keeping them in the side for too long.

“It’s hard to get the balance right.

“It’s good showing loyalty - that’s me and my morals as a person - but you’re there to build the best team you can.”

Miles Cornwell scored twice at Horsham, coming through his first 90 minutes of the season following an ankle injury.

He typified the workrate Davis demands and the manager will keep drumming home his message going into Kent derbies at home to Hythe on Saturday and at Herne Bay on Tuesday.

Davis said: “Not many people can do what Miles does in the position he plays.

“He gives us so much in an attacking sense but also defensively because he has the energy and the legs and the heart to get up and down.

“That’s what I want from the team. We can’t carry anyone and that’s what I keep telling the players.

“If you’re not going to put a shift in, then what’s your part in this team?

“Things won’t always go your way but I don’t want people sulking when they don’t have the ball.

“You dig in, help your mates, get in your shape and be hard to break down."

Sittingbourne, who beat Ramsgate 2-0 in the League Cup last night, host Hythe on Saturday and visit Herne Bay on Tuesday.