Whitstable Town have acted quickly to replace the Ward brothers by appointing Will Graham as their new manager.

Graham, 30, was first team coach under the previous regime of Jimmy and Danny Ward and has been handed his first senior management job ahead of a dozen other candidates.

Chairman Gary Johnson said he was pleased to have been able to make an appointment so quickly after the departure of the Wards, who returned to former club Ramsgate last week.

Mr Johnson said: "Will Graham, although a rookie deserves the opportunity and certainly has the club at heart having previously been involved a few years ago.

"He’s local and he is a UEFA A licensed coach with connections throughout Kent. He is also ambitious and it appears hungry with a thirst to develop the potential within the club, something that excited the board.

"Everyone has to start somewhere so let’s get behind Will and give him every chance of success.

"Whitstable Town FC certainly do not lack ambition, but they give a chance to folk to rejuvenate themselves or like Will to emerge within the game."

Graham's first challenge will be to form new squad, together with a new management team. He will be in charge of first team affairs as well as overseeing the development of the club's youngsters in the under-18 and under-21 teams.

Graham said: "I’m an inspiring young coach, every manager in history started somewhere and I believe with my desire this is my opportunity to succeed as a manager and make my stamp on the game’.