Marcel Nimani replaces Mark Dacey as manager of Sevenoaks Town - and is given a glowing reference from his predecessor

Isthmian South East side Sevenoaks have appointed their new manager for the 2024/25 season.

Ex-Whitstable boss Marcel Nimani officially arrived at Greatness Park on Sunday. He replaces Mark Dacey - who stood down earlier this week due to personal reasons - and does so with a glowing recommendation from his predecessor.

“The baton passed to a true gentleman,” Dacey wrote on social media.

“Go well @MarcelNimani, it’s a wonderful club.”

Maidstone-based teacher Nimani, who surprisingly left Southern Counties East Premier Division outfit Whitstable in April, got the nod after a series of midweek interviews.

Nimani again will work alongside No.2 Craig Coles while goalkeeping coach Julian Leigh stays on.

Nimani and Coles also enjoyed great success at Sheppey as they helped guide the Holm Park club to a unique quadruple in 2022.

Speaking to the club’s media team, Nimani said: “It’s great to be here.

“It’s been an overwhelming experience actually, getting this job, from the way it started all the way through to Thursday when Paul (Lansdale, chairman) told me that I’d got the job.

“It’s been quite an overwhelming experience but I’m delighted to be here.

“I’m very much looking forward to the challenges ahead.”

Sevenoaks finished 10th in Isthmian South East at the end of their 2023/24 campaign.

On following in the footsteps of Dacey and Harry Hudson, who stepped away from Sevenoaks last November, Nimani said: “He’s a great guy, Mark, and I have a good relationship with him.

“He facilitated and supported my move to Sevenoaks. That’s a real credit to his character and the legacy that his predecessor, Harry, left behind.

“I’m a huge admirer of both of them. The handover from Mark has been exceptional.

“I’ve been communicating with Mark