New Sittingbourne coach Nathan Elder will have a role to play on the pitch.

Elder, 33, has joined the Brickies backroom team after leaving Tonbridge at the end of last season.

But the former Brentford and Dover striker has also registered as a player and gives manager Aslan Odev a different option.

His young side could undoubtedly benefit from the big forward's experience when the time is right.

Odev said: "Nathan will make appearances as and when.

"He's predominantly here as a coach but the option is there and there might be games when we need his playing style.

"He's a fit guy and is always going to the gym, so he's kept himself in shape.

"Match fitness is different but he's not far off the pace.

"He knows how to handle himself."

Odev approached Elder following a recommendation from one of his players.

He said: "I gave him a call and he seemed up for coming in. He was more than ready to go.

"He came along to training, we had a good chat and he liked the vision of the club and what we're trying to build.

"We both felt he could add something and he's been brilliant.

"The boys love him and the club are excited to have him.

"He said he's never seen anything like the togetherness we've got here."

Sittingbourne are off to Dartford's Princes Park ground to play Thamesmead on Saturday.