SCOTT IS THE DADDY AT Ks

Harris steps in family role

SCOTT HARRIS says he has always dreamed of taking over as manager of boyhood club Kingstonian– just like his Dad!

Harris has built up a reputation as one of Non-League football’s brightest young managers after leading Walton & Hersham to three successive promotions before he was unceremoniously sacked by the Swans three weeks ago.

And that prompted Ks to step in and offer Harris the chance to re-build the nomadic Surrey club following their relegation from the Isthmian Premier Division after 15 years at Step 3.

Although Harris didn’t make a senior appearance with the Ks, he has always maintained strong links with the club having turned for both their reserves and veterans sides over the years.

And the Harris name lives on at the club with Scott’s father Kim having enjoyed two separate spells as manager, the last back in 2019.

Dream team

Harris will be joined in the Ks dugout by another club legend, Martyn Lee, who held the same assistant manager’s position under Simon Lane last season.

“They were the unanimous choice of the club’s directors and are probably the most significant made by our club for many years,” the club said in a statement.

Harris’ availability alerted Ks chairman Yioryos Vasilaras, who in turn released Tutu Henriques as manager to make way for his new man. He added: “The term ‘dream team’ is often overused but not, I think, on this occasion!

“As with many K’s fans, I am delighted that someone with such an outstanding record of success has thrown his lot in with Kingstonian and it is also really great and a huge bonus to have Martyn back with us.”

Footsteps

Harris said he can’t wait to renew acquaintances with Ks and is aiming to create a similar legacy to that he built at neighbours Walton.

“The club has a huge name in Non-League footout ball,” Harris said. “And to follow in my Dad’s footsteps and take this role is something I have always had as an ambition.

“To take the job at this time, I am under no illusions that the club has some rebuilding to do. I am fully committed to make that happen. The faith shown in me by Yioryos and the rest of the board is something I wish to repay on the pitch, and do so in a style that K’s supporters can be proud of.

“There is a lot of heavy lifting to be done, but we all share the vision of seeing the club back flourishing in Kingston, with a home to call our own and a team to enjoy watching – I look forward to building a team that you will be proud of.”