Joe Ellul has told Sittingbourne fans there’s more to come as he sets about leading the club to promotion.

Centre-back Ellul built an instant rapport with Brickies fans following his February arrival from Maidstone United.

He was made captain by boss Ryan Maxwell and played a major part in securing Isthmian South East safety, helped by a 12-game unbeaten run.

Maxwell wants to fight for the title next season and showed his intent by securing the services of Ellul on a two-year contract - news that went down well with the Brickies faithful.

The skipper appreciates their support but he’s only just getting started.

“I’ve heard loads from the fans,” said Ellul, 34.

“It’s not that I don’t acknowledge them but I’ve only been here a few months - I’ve got a lot more to give.

“I’m enjoying my time here and trying to push the club in the right direction and get them promotion next season.

“The season ended at a bad time for us.

“Another five or six games and we’d have been pushing for the play-offs.

“When I joined, going in with Maxy and some of the boys there, I knew things would get better.

“It was just about the process, and the process worked very quickly.

“We started with a few draws and then we couldn’t stop winning.

“It’s a good place for me to be. It was in the pipeline for me to stay from when I first signed.

“Maxy wants me to be at the club for a number of years and also learn from him in the event of going into management, although that won’t be any time soon.

“It was an easy conversation to have with Maxy and the chairman (vice-chairman Andrew Marjeram) when it came to staying.

“It was a case of this is what we want from you, this is the timeframe.

“It was done over a beer and it was done very quickly.”

Ellul took a few games to settle into Isthmian South East after dropping three levels from National League football at Maidstone.

There’s a difference in standard but Maxwell, who signed a new deal this week, soon told him he had to maintain his levels.

“It’s a lot different, to be honest,” said Ellul.

“Maxy kept reminding me not to play in second gear and to make sure I was at my optimum because he could see me taking liberties in certain ways and not doing the correct things.

“He kept reminding me to play at the highest level I could and not to take the easy route because it makes players around me follow suit.

“He doesn’t mince his words, in or out of the changing room.

“He has a certain way of playing and living life and if you’re not in line with that and not on the same path, you won’t be at the club.

“He said that to me straight away, if you’re not in line with me, there’s no reason for you to be here, and that goes for any player.

“He wants to get the club promoted, he wants to go on cup runs, he wants to do well. I don’t think anything is going to stop him getting what he wants.”

Maxwell’s words struck a chord with Ellul, who went back to his early non-league days to appreciate what was required in Isthmian South East.

“I had to get back to where it all started, which is what I did,” said Ellul.

“I started out in the Essex Senior League, and I had to work hard for it, and that’s what I’ve done here.

“I’ve knuckled down and done the right things and just showed the boys how it should be done.

“I think that showed in our performances because we were spanking everyone.”