Sittingbourne boss Chris Lynch hasn’t had far to look for his new assistant manager.

The position became available on Monday when Nathan Elder left Woodstock to link up with new Hythe chief Steve Watt.

And Lynch has moved quickly by promoting first-team coach Darren Blackburn.

The former Hollands & Blair boss joined Sittingbourne's coaching staff in the summer and is seen as a ready-made replacement for Elder.

Lynch said: “It’s an exciting appointment. I’ve known Darren a long time, we’re of similar mindsets and I like to promote from within. He’s the man for me.

“I brought him in from Hollands & Blair with a view to having a role of this nature but by that point I’d already put Nathan in place as my No.2.”

With Josh Hall also on the coaching staff, there will be no direct replacement for Blackburn.

Lynch added: “We’re good as we are. It’s the perfect-sized management team with me, Darren and Josh Hall.

“We’re all Uefa-qualified, we’re tight-knit and singing from the same hymn sheet, so I won’t be looking for anyone else.”

Lynch has strengthened his squad before tomorrow’s Isthmian South East derby at Faversham by bringing back two familiar faces.

Centre-half Ben Fitchett, who impressed on dual-registration from Margate last season, has returned to Sittingbourne from Hythe.

They’ve also signed midfielder Harrison Pont, who started the season at Margate.

• Watt glad to be back

Lynch said: “Ben ended up at Hythe this season but it hasn’t worked out for him, so I’ve brought him back.

“He did well for us last season. I think there’s a player in there, if people believe in him and give him the opportunity.

“A small run here and there is no good for him. He needs a good season playing regularly and I’ve no doubt he’ll go on to higher levels.”

On Pont, Lynch said: “He was with us in pre-season. He’s another one who needs a good year at our level to crack on.”

Read more: The latest sports news in Kent