Herne Bay manager Ben Smith interested in more than just first-team picture at Winch’s Field

Boss Ben Smith insists he’s interested in more than solely the first-team picture at Herne Bay.

Smith is preparing for a first full season at Winch’s Field during his second managerial spell at the club.

Also among those back at Bay for 2026/27 is former midfielder Danny Lawrence, who will take over the under-15s team from Phil Greene. Lawrence started last season in charge of Chislehurst Glebe’s first team.

While Smith and Lawrence have always been close, chairman Matt Barman, director of football Dan Tanner and head of youth Steve Gray had already convinced Lawrence to make his Herne Bay comeback before Smith’s re-appointment.

“Dan, Matt and Steve have done that,” said 39-year-old Smith, who also praised the club’s walking football set-up.

“We have got Michael Seager - an ex-Kent League player - taking over the under-13s, as well. There are good people in and around this football club.

“I had the pleasure of going down and being involved with the walking football set-up. That’s incredible.

“It’s something, which is probably not spoken about and shouted about enough with the amount of men - 45 and over - there and enjoying their football on a Monday night. It’s very competitive.

“They stay afterwards for food in the clubhouse and are a massive part of this club.

“It’s something I didn’t really understand until I went down and saw it. I have joined in with the Vets.

“Again, that’s another massive part of the football club. They have a lot of old faces from years gone by that have played at good levels.

“It’s not just about the first team at Herne Bay and I didn’t sign up for it to just be about the first team, either.

“That’s the pinnacle - of course - and our work starts properly now for that.

“But it’s great to see