Sittingbourne’s new sports psychologist has quit after two weeks for a job in the Georgian Premier League.

Riccardo De Vivo, who doubled up as the Brickies’ fitness coach, started his new job on Monday.

It came out of the blue but was an offer De Vivo, who also holds a UEFA A coaching licence, couldn’t turn down.

Brickies boss Aslan Odev said: “It’s a full-time job working in the Georgian Premier League.

“It’s an opportunity to work in the pro game and he definitely had my blessing.

“He said he’s been waiting for an opportunity like this for years.

“He wasn’t with us long but he leaves behind great foundations – he’s helped us out massively. I’m very, very pleased for him.

“He had a call on Wednesday morning from someone he knows in Georgia.

“He had a Skype interview with the board, he phoned to let me know and he flew out on Sunday to start work on Monday.

“It all happened very quickly but football can be like that.”

Another man on his way out of Sittingbourne is striker David Smith.

The teenager is set to sign for a club at a higher level.

Odev said: “I said to him if he got the chance to play higher I’d drive him there myself because you always want your players to go on and better themselves.

“Fingers crossed it works out for him. If it doesn’t he’s said we’ll be the first to know.

“I get on well with him and he’s someone I’ll stay in touch with.

“I felt I gave him his biggest opportunity last season.

“He was always a bit-part player under Nick Davis but I put him on that stage and gave him the platform he needed to shine.

“He took it with both hands and I wish him all the best.”

Sittingbourne will be saying goodbye to a number of trialists after a 5-1 friendly defeat at Cray Valley on Saturday.

It was 1-1 at half-time, Lewis Chambers with the goal, but an experimental side folded after the break.

Odev said: “They didn’t perform as we might have hoped.

“Unfortunately most of them won’t be making another appearance for us. They’re just not for us.”

Sittingbourne continue their pre-season schedule at home to Bowers & Pitsea on Saturday (3pm).

Kick-off for the home friendly against Sheppey, on July 28, has been brought forward to 1pm.