Ryan Maxwell overwhelmed by reaction to his shock return as Sittingbourne manager | Players were sworn to secrecy over U-turn

Ryan Maxwell knows he’s made the right decision after a swift return to Sittingbourne.

Boss Maxwell announced his U-turn in a speech at the club’s presentation evening on Friday night - a week after resigning.

He’d been due to say goodbye after accepting a job closer to his home in Hertfordshire, intending to spend more time with wife Amy and their young daughter.

But doubts about his new role crept in and he thrashed out his return to the Brickies in a meeting with vice-chairman Andrew Marjeram.

The players were sworn to secrecy before Maxwell revealed his surprise news in front of delighted supporters.

“The fact I wrestled so much with the decision to leave in the first place probably told a story in itself,” said Maxwell.

“Having made the decision to come back, when it came to the presentation evening and the reaction of the fans when they were made aware, it was apparent it was the right decision.

“The reaction was incredible and the happiness in that room was really quite overwhelming.

“That moment was a little bit on the special side.

“It’s something I won’t be forgetting any time soon.

“My missus was there and everyone was thanking her where they were aware I had to have a conversation with her.

“She was more concerned about me being happy and she’s as happy as anyone it all got resolved.

“It was a great night and I’m already working hard on recruitment to give us the best possible chance of success next season.”

Uncertainty over which league Maxwell’s new club would be placed in next season led to doubts over the role.

It immediately made life difficult regarding recruitment, with the budget also unconfirmed until the club knew where they stood in terms of travelling.

In the meantime, he’d stayed in touch with