Interim boss Ryan Smith paid tribute to Tom Wynter after the Lydd defender made his comeback from a long-term knee injury.

Wynter’s Lydders debut on Saturday was his first competitive appearance in two-and-a-half years.

They lost 4-3 at home to Holmesdale in the Southern Counties East Premier Division but Smith was delighted to have the former Gillingham full-back available for the first time.

The pair go back years.

“It was his first game in two-and-a-half years and he was outstanding,” said Smith, whose side had Robbie Dolan and fellow interim boss Ronnie Dolan sent off against Holmesdale.

“We conceded four goals but none of them came from him.

“The way he led the backline was admirable and to have the determination to come back, credit should be given to him.

“His voice, his composure, everything…I was proud.

“I gave him man-of-the-match.

“Although we lost, the sentiment behind it, the journey of his recovery should be applauded.

“I played youth football with him my whole youth career at Kennington before he got snapped up by Gills. He was my captain.

“I went to school with him and when he joined last year as coach it was great to have him around.

“He’s got the elephant off his back in terms of getting back out there and, as a friend for so many years, I was glad to be involved in that.

“With his positive energy and his demeanour, he’s a privilege to have around.”

Smith and Dolan have added former Whitstable boss Will Graham to their backroom staff.

The ex-defender, an Isthmian Division 1 title winner with Ramsgate, has joined as assistant coach while the Lydders decide on a permanent successor to Scott Porter.

“I needed to get someone in,” said Smith.

“When it comes to man-management, the club and the players, I’m all right, but to have someone come in who’s as dedicated to football as he is has been good.

“I like to think he keeps me in line with an independent view on things and he’s been good so far.

“If we end up taking the job, he’ll be the head coach effectively and take more of a lead role on things.

“That was the soft agreement so we’ll see where we are in three weeks’ time.”

Lydd, beaten 3-2 by Whitstable last Wednesday, visit Bridon Ropes in the FA Vase first qualifying round on Saturday (3pm).

That’s followed by a league game at local rivals Kennington on Tuesday (7.45pm) – two sides who know each other well.

“That’s more like an in-house game,” said Smith.