Bay boss bows out

Pitching In Isthmian South East side Herne Bay have announced the departure of boss Steve Lovell- and his backroom team. 

In a statement, the club explained:

'It is with great sadness that the Club announces that we have parted ways with first-team manager Steve Lovell, assistant manager Mark Lovell and physio Dave Hocking.

Steve came to the club during a tumultuous time and literally had to build a team from scratch.

Last season’s 8th place finish, the excellent win against Hendon and running Maidstone United so close in this years FA Cup are just a few of his highlights.

We would sincerely like to place on record a huge thanks to Steve, Mark and Dave for their contribution both on and off the pitch over the past 18 months and they will be truly missed around the club.'

Steve took over at Bay in May 2023, replacing Kevin Watson, who departed after failing to keep his side in the Pitching In Isthmian Premier. Prior to his time with Bay Steve was with Ramsgate, leaving at the end of January 2024 whilst they sat in second place in Pitching In Isthmian South East after being at the top of the table for most of the previous four months. 

He was previously the manager at Gillingham, Welling United, Hastings United and Sitingbourne, and as a player turned out for the likes of Crystal Palace, Millwall, Gillingham and Wales.