Age and experience aren’t an issue for Sittingbourne’s new boss Aslan Odev.

At 26, he might not have been the most experienced candidate for the job following Nick Davis’ departure but he’s not worried about that.

Odev works in football full-time, as a coach for Soccer Elite and has faith in his ability to do a job at the Bostik South side.

He said: “I have always wanted to be manager, it’s always been an ambition of mine. I am excited about the challenge.

“The support I have got off so many people has been humbling.

“I don’t pay attention to age or any of that. It’s about how you come across, what you know and if you can add something to the team.”

And he repeated a quote from legendary Italian coach Arrigo Sacchi, saying: “You don’t have to have been a horse to be the jockey.”

Odev has managed at youth level previously and his last senior position was at Sheppey United, where he took charge of the reserves, before joining Davis’ coaching staff at the beginning of this season.

The Sheppey resident has previously worked in academies at Luton, MK Dons and Gillingham.

He has, however, been made to wait to take charge of his first game.

Saturday’s match against South Park was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch and last night’s (Tuesday) game at home to Ramsgate suffered the same fate.

Weather permitting, Odev will take charge at the third time of asking at home against Walton Casuals on Saturday.

Despite his inexperience, Odev has the backing of the players, something he felt was important.

He said: “Without their backing, it makes it much harder.

“The players said that if I went for the job, then they would back me up. That made it a no-brainer for me.”

Leaving following Davis’ departure are Miles Cornwell, for Herne Bay, and defender Laurence Ball, who will spend more time with his the family.

Two new faces have arrived, however.

Odev has brought in 19-year-old keeper Mohammed Otuya to put the pressure on Harry Brooks, while Swedish left-back Fabrice Blewhard joins after impressing in training.