Former joint-manager Jim Ward believes he has left Sittingbourne in great shape.

Ward and brother Danny quit last week after the breakdown of their relationship with new chairman Maurice Dunk and feared budget cuts.

And Ward believes whoever lands the job permanently has everything in place to be successful.

He said: “Me and Danny have left the squad in great shape.

“I spoke to the players after we resigned and encouraged them all to stay. They couldn’t believe what was going on at the club but football-wise they knew how good it was.

“Adrian Hubbard, my assistant, went along to the Worthing game. There were two or three managers watching and they all said if they got the job, they wouldn’t need to sign anybody.

“There’s a set of players in place that any manager would be proud to have. Everything’s there but I have no regrets. I’ve got my principles so I had to leave.

“I’d like to thank Andy Spice (ex-chairman) for giving me the opportunity in the first place. He’s a lovely man and I’ve nothing against him. I’d also like to thank all the fans who were so good to us.”