Manager Keith Boanas adds to Chatham Town Women’s backroom staff ahead of season, bringing in former England goalkeeper Pauline Cope - his wife - and player-coach Jess King

Manager Keith Boanas has added to Chatham Town Women’s backroom staff ahead of the start of the new season - bringing in his wife!

Boss Boanas will start his first full campaign with Chats as they begin life in National League Division 1 South East after relegation last term at home this Sunday.

During the summer, attacker Jess King, who’s formerly of Liverpool, Everton and Charlton, has come on board as player-coach alongside Boanas’ partner - ex-England international keeper Pauline Cope.

Boanas said: “Some of the players we have recruited are more than capable of playing in that higher league.

“I have added a couple more staff members, as well. My wife has come on board.

“Her experience as an England international will make a difference and I have signed Jess King as player-coach.

“Jess is also still a very talented player.

“With people like her, alongside some of the younger players I’ve signed, as well as those we have got from our own Academy, we have got a good blend.

“There will be a couple of games against the likes of Norwich and Real Bedfont that will be really tough tests, in particular.

“But I definitely believe we will be in that mix.

“The aim will be to get promoted but a downside to that is only one team gets promoted.

“I have agreed with Kev Hake (chairman), at certain points, to chat with him and assess how we are doing.

“The team does feel like it’s my team.

“On the field - and off it, as well - the atmosphere and the environment is still really positive.”

Asked about the prospect of working with his wife, Boanas highlighted the importance of having female coaches around in the women’s game.

He said: “I’ve done it before when she was my goalkeeper at Charlton.

“We talk football a lot anyway - she’s a