Sittingbourne announce departure of ‘legendary’ manager Ryan Maxwell after memorable three-year spell amid links with Welling United

Record-breaking Sittingbourne manager Ryan Maxwell is leaving the club after almost three years in charge.

The Brickies announced Maxwell’s departure in a statement released on Saturday night.

The Northern Irishman has been heavily linked with the vacant job at Isthmian Premier club Welling United.

Maxwell worked wonders after arriving at Woodstock as Nick Davis’ successor in January 2023.

He led the club away from the Isthmian South East relegation zone to mid-table safety and the following season finished third, falling in the play-off semi-finals.

Maxwell announced his resignation, to work closer to home, but had a change of heart, returning days later and overseeing an extraordinary 2024/25 campaign.

They reached the FA Trophy quarter-finals for the first time in their history, winning 1-0 at ex-Championship club Southend in the last 16, and were involved in an epic title scrap with eventual champions Ramsgate.

The Brickies finished runners-up with 101 points, scoring 117 goals, but there was heartbreak in the play-off final when they lost on penalties to Burgess Hill.

Maxwell’s final match in charge also went to a shoot-out, with the Brickies beaten 5-3 on spot-kicks after a courageous 1-1 draw at National League South Ebbsfleet.

“Ryan Maxwell leaves Sittingbourne FC with our very best wishes for the future and legendary status at the club secured,” said the Brickies.

“He arrived in January 2023 when we were winless in 11 games and running out of hope.

“He departs having led us to our first-ever play-off campaigns, the second 100-point season in the club’s 139-year history, and an unforgettable run to the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy.

“He has delivered for our supporters more memorable moments and wins than any