New manager Dexter Gondongwe on the task ahead as Lydd Town regroup following relegation to Southern Counties East Division 1

The wheels for Dexter Gondongwe’s appointment as Lydd Town manager were set in motion months ago.

Gondongwe has been named as the Lydders’ new boss following relegation to Southern Counties East Division 1.

Ryan Smith stood down after the club lost their appeal against a four-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player, a punishment which ultimately cost them their Premier Division status.

But it had already been decided that Gondongwe, who’s served on the coaching staff under various managers, would take the reins.

“It was a decision the club and the committee all made earlier on in the year, and myself, Ryan, and Scott (Lindsey, chairman) were all involved in that conversation,” said Gondongwe.

“Regardless of getting relegated, or staying up, it was a question of can we be a much more organised unit next year and build upon things we’ve done?

“So the club had made that decision in February but it wasn’t going to be public knowledge until we were in a position to announce it.”

Smith is taking a break from football but Gondongwe hopes his predecessor will return to Lydd as a player.

The new boss added: “I’m always thankful that I’ve had Ryan around me and I can’t thank him enough for his belief in me to champion me and say ‘Dexter, I think you’re ready, this is the right time for you’.

“We’re trying to work out how we can move forward in terms of him maybe even coming back as a player and being around the club.

“Ryan Smith is a maverick but he’s also good enough for Step 6 and he always has been.

“At Step 5 it was very difficult to manage, as well as play, so this year where there’s less pressure for him around the management of the team and the club, I’m hoping he will put his boots back on and be the leader and