Herne Bay chairman Matt Barman issues manager update with new boss to be at the helm for home match against Phoenix Sports

Chairman Matt Barman has issued a statement as Herne Bay prepare to confirm who their new manager will be.

Barman and director of football Dan Tanner have taken charge, alongside player-coach Liam Friend and coach Joe Denny, since the relegation-threatened Isthmian South East side sacked Steve Lovell last month.

They were at the helm for the final time last weekend, midfielder Scott Heard netting a stoppage-time equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Sevenoaks, ahead of the announcement of the new Bay boss later this week.

Former Faversham, Chatham, Cray Valley and Bowers & Pitsea manager James Collins has been heavily linked with the role.

In Monday night's statement, Barman wrote: “As most are aware, myself, Liam Friend, Dan Tanner and Joe Denny have been working with the first team over the past few weeks while we have been looking for a new manager. Last Saturday was my last involvement with the matchday team.

“I would like to place on record my thanks to Liam, Dan, JD, players, staff and volunteers and, of course, our loyal supporters for all their support over this period.

“This run of five games against sides all above us has seen us only lose once and concede just five goals although, for me, we have left some points and goals on the pitch.

“The players have been outstanding both at training and on matchdays and it’s been a pleasure to work with them and get to know some of them better. There is a real desire to get us out of this predicament from the boys. I’ve felt that first hand.

“Myself and the board were overwhelmed by the number of applicants for the vacant manager role. We would like to place our thanks to everyone that applied but, after a series of interviews with some fantastic candidates, we have whittled that