James Collins feels he’s a better manager as two-month Herne Bay stay ends after culmination of 2024/25 season

James Collins feels like he is a better manager after his time in charge of Herne Bay.

Collins left his post in a surprise move after just two months at the helm.

The news was revealed by the Isthmian South East side, less than 24 hours before their season-ending trip to relegated Steyning Town Community on Saturday - which ended in a 4-0 loss, with player-coach Liam Friend in the dugout - despite having maintained the club’s Step 4 status.

“It was an honour to manage the club,” said Collins. “I said that when I took over at the club.

“Whenever I have been involved in football, it’s always been a massive club. I’m pleased with the job that I’ve done.

“I didn’t bring in any of my management team and I only brought in two players in Manny (Emmanuel Oluwasemo) and Kie (Plumley).

“For my own confidence, that was good in terms of what I’m capable of where I’ve worked with new players and a backroom team that I’m not necessarily used to working with.

“I definitely feel like a better manager for the experience.”

And Collins, formerly of Cray Valley, Chatham, Bowers & Pitsea and Faversham, feels there are lessons he has learnt which he can take into his next role.

He said: “I think you’re always learning. I think the world is changing and football is changing.

“At every club, there’s things that work and some things that don’t work. The chairman has got his ideas on how he wants to do things and that’s exactly how it should be.

“But the experience has definitely given me confidence.”

Despite starting at Bay with a 2-1 loss against fellow strugglers Phoenix Sports, Collins helped the team produce 26 goals in their next 10 league matches - including a 9-1 home thumping of Lancing - before they ended the campaign with consecutive