Chatham Town have appointed former Gillingham defender Scott Lindsey as their new manager.

The 47-year-old, who also played for Dover, Maidstone and Folkestone Invicta, succeeds James Collins, who quit the Southern Counties East Premier Division club on Monday.

Lindsey brings great experience to Maidstone Road having previously worked in coaching roles at Gillingham, Lincoln City, Swindon, Tamworth and Forest Green Rovers.

Chatham announced his appointment after training on Thursday night.

A statement said: "The club are pleased to announce that Scott Lindsey has been appointed as the new manager of Chatham Town on Thursday evening.

"Scott coached the first team at short notice on Thursday night and will be in charge for the home game on Saturday against Fisher.

"He brings with him a wealth of experience both as player and manager in the Football League and Non-League and his development strategy for both players and his belief s in how the game should be played really stood out when considering you to entrust with the next steps forward for our club.

"We are delighted to be able to move so quickly to secure Scott's services and would like to formally welcome him to Chatham Town Football Club."

Lindsey made 12 appearances as a player for the Gills, and also played for a number of other Kent clubs including Welling, Gravesend & Northfleet, Sittingbourne and Ashford.

Chatham who beat Punjab United 2-1 on Tuesday, top the Premier Division table on goal difference from Beckenham.

Despite the success of previous boss Collins, he didn’t feel his future belonged at Chatham.

He said: “I took the club over when they were fourth from bottom, we consolidated our position in the first season and won two trophies in our second.

“I fully believe we would have won the league this year.

"I have left the club in a good position and we have been good for each other. I've had some good times at the club and I am gutted that I feel like I've had to resign.

“I wish Kevin and the club all the best in the future.”

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