Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Collins leaves Faversham to take on fresh challenge
James Collins has moved on quickly following his Faversham departure. The Lilywhites announced Collins has left his role as the Isthmian South East club’s manager on Tuesday night and he has since been appointed as the new boss of Isthmian Premier Bowers & Pitsea.
That move sees Collins re-united with ex-faversham, Charlton and Scunthorpe striker Paul Hayes, Bowers’ new director of football.
Hayes said: “We are so pleased and excited to have James as our new manager.
“He comes with a wealth of experience as a manager.” Town are in turmoil, with chairman Paul Bennett also having quit in the past week. In a statement on his departure, Collins vowed he would become the club’s “biggest fan”.
The 39-year-old, who was appointed in 2019, said: “I want to place on record my thanks to those within the club and on the terraces who have supported me through thick and thin from the moment I arrived nearly three seasons ago.
“I hope everyone will feel that during my time here I have worked as hard as I could to move the club forward in difficult times. At times it has been tough, of course, but I leave with such great memories.
“I know that I will be back to watch, and will be following your progress from afar. Maybe one day I will be back driving the Lilywhites forward as they will always have a place in my heart.
“For now though, I will become their biggest fan. “Faversham is a special place, with amazing supporters, who remain the heartbeat of the club.
“I want to thank all the fans for the support you have given me, my coaches and every player who has pulled on a Faversham Town shirt in my time here.
“It has been my privilege to manage your club, and I hope we have given you some good memories in return. You have made it a special time for me and I have made life-long friends.
“I wish everyone at the club luck and look forward to seeing you all again soon.” In the 2021/22 season, Collins saw Town to a 12th-placed finish despite an injury-hit campaign.
Captain Harry Harding and right-back Donvieve Jones have announced on Twitter they have left the club.
A brief statement on outgoing chairman Bennett’s departure last Wednesday had read: “The board of Faversham Town F.C have today been advised that Paul Bennett has decided due to personal health, family and business commitments to stand down as chairman of the club with immediate effect.”