Joe Denny relishes working with Herne Bay’s father-son management team of Steve Lovell and Mark Lovell as injured defender initially makes Winch’s Field return as a coach

Joe Denny is relishing the chance to work alongside Herne Bay’s father-son management team of Steve and Mark Lovell.

Denny has rejoined the Isthmian South East side - two years on from being a part of their squad which earned the club’s inaugural Isthmian Premier promotion.

Now first-team head coach, Denny will work closely with manager Steve Lovell, a former Wales international forward and an ex-Gillingham boss, and No.2 Mark.

The 26-year-old said: “I’ve already learnt so much from them in the first three weeks.

“They have given me quite a big role, which I’m really grateful for. I cannot wait to tap into Steve and Mark’s knowledge.

“They have been at top levels, especially Steve. I will be tapping into their knowledge throughout the season.

“I’m very blessed to have them as work colleagues.”

Denny, also once a defender with Ebbsfleet and Faversham, was part of then-manager Matt Barman’s backroom staff at Lordswood last term.

He has joined forces with Barman - now Bay’s chairman - again, as well as director of football Dan Tanner, who he was with while at Lordswood.

“I’ve got quite a good relationship with Matt from being at Lordswood together and then at Snodland,” Denny explained. “He has taken over at Herne Bay as chairman.

“He’s taken me with him as a head coach, it’s good to be recognised in that way.

“Dan Tanner, who was assistant at Lordswood, is director of football at Herne Bay.

"That’s how I got the move.”

While Denny was involved in Bay’s squad which earned 2021/22 play-off glory, he was an unused substitute in their play-off semi-final and final.

He said: “I had a successful time there, being part of the promotion-winning team.

"It’s one of the clubs that I hold dearly, who I’ve played for.

“It’s really good