Sittingbourne manager Chris Lynch has moved quickly to sign a replacement for Tommie Fagg.

Midfielder Fagg has swapped the Brickies for Isthmian South East title contenders Ashford.

In his place comes Jack Hanson, a player who’s worked with Lynch in the Dover youth set-up.

The Brickies boss didn’t want to stand in Fagg’s way with his side now out of play-off contention.

Lynch said: “Ashford came in for Tommie and we had a sensible chat about it.

“He’s been a good player for us but, ultimately, Ashford are second in the league with a chance of winning promotion.

“That’s not something we can offer this season.

“I said to him, ‘If you want to go I fully support you because I can’t argue with the fact Ashford are in with a shot this season and we’re not’.

“It’s right for the player and it’s right for us. They’re second and we’re 14th.

“Can you honestly put your hand on your heart and say you’re in football for the right reasons if you’re not prepared to help someone progress?

“It’s about what’s best for the player, not me.

“If a player’s going to leave they should be looking at a higher level but you can’t begrudge someone joining a club who might win the league.”

Hanson has played under ex-Dover midfielder Sammy Moore at National South club Hemel Hempstead and is an ideal replacement for Fagg.

Lynch said: “He’s had a little bit of game time there and not looked out of place.

“I think he’ll do well here. He has a lot of potential and is a direct replacement for Tommie Fagg so I’m happy with that.

“I’ve trained Jack for a number of years myself at Dover and he won the under-18 championship there.”

Meanwhile, Lynch has extended Cameron Brodie’s loan from Dartford by a further month.

“We’ve got the option to extend again,” said Lynch. “He’s grown with every game he’s played.

“He’s a young lad who’s starting to realise his potential.”

Sittingbourne host Sevenoaks this Saturday, looking for a first win in seven games.

From challenging for the play-offs, they’re suddenly bottom of the form guide after five defeats in six games.

Lynch said: “Four of the five defeats have been by a single goal. I’ve had to pick the players off the floor for two, three, four weeks running where we know we’ve been doing enough to get three points, never mind
one.

“Ultimately, you have to put the ball in the net and we haven’t been doing that.”

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