Herne Bay coach Joe Denny confident new player-boss Liam Friend is right man for the job

Coach Joe Denny is confident new Herne Bay player-manager Liam Friend is the right man for the job.

Denny has been helping plot a major summer overhaul of the Isthmian South East side’s squad with Friend and recently-appointed No.2 Tom Wynter.

It’s a first role in the hot-seat for experienced centre-half Friend.

But former Lordswood, Faversham and Sittingbourne defender Denny said: “Liam is someone I played against numerous times before I got involved in coaching. He’s someone I was in the changing room with this season.

“I feel like he’s the man for the job in terms of moving us up the table.”

Denny has quickly found out, even in the close season, his input will be valued by 37-year-old Friend.

He said: “I’m really pleased to be back on board.

“Friendy is such a good character and will help my development.

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“We talk regularly - about signings, formations, tactics and just everything, really. That’s key for a coach because we’re here to help at the end of the day.

“I just feel like Bay’s one of my clubs now, my home away from home.

“Hopefully, we can progress from our finish last year.”

While Herne Bay are yet to announce any new signings, Denny insists everything is in order.

“We came to the conclusion that we’re not going to announce anything until all the paperwork is done,” he explained. “We’ve got gentleman’s agreements with signings but, until they sign on the dotted line, we won’t announce them.

“But there’s a number of new signings planned that will definitely excite the fans.”

Indeed, Denny was taken aback by the Herne Bay supporters again as Friend oversaw their 2024/25 season-ending 3-0 defeat at relegated Steyning Town in late April after James Collins’ exit.

He said: