Sittingbourne boss Ryan Maxwell praises Joe Tyrie’s mentality and backs him for good future after on-loan Tonbridge defender turns out for both clubs | Brickies up to third in Isthmian South East

Sittingbourne boss Ryan Maxwell has praised teenage defender Joe Tyrie’s balancing act between two clubs.

Tyrie is on loan with the Brickies but has twice been recalled by parent club Tonbridge in recent weeks.

The 19-year-old helped Angels to National League South victories at Truro and Eastbourne after boss Jay Saunders found himself short of centre-halves.

But he’s continued to impress for the Brickies in Isthmian South East, opening the scoring in Saturday’s sparkling 4-1 home win over second-placed Three Bridges.

He played again last night in a 2-0 success at Chichester – another big result against one of the best sides in the division.

“I’ve got to praise Joe on his mentality because he’s in both camps mentally at times and that’s no one’s fault,” said Maxwell, whose side are up to third.

“The plan is he stays here all season - that’s what Jay and I came up with up for him and that’s what we’re sticking to.

“Jay was short at the back and Joe was happy to go and help out.

“He did well and he’s brought that confidence back with him and he was outstanding again on Saturday.

“A lot of credit has to go to him for handling it mentally.

“He hasn’t come back with any disappointment or confusion.

“He’s clearly had it drilled into him that this is where he’s going to be playing his football this season, for the reasons Jay and I agreed, and he’s come back full of focus.”

There are major differences between National South and Isthmian South East but Tyrie has adapted well.

“The higher you go, the better everything is,” said Maxwell.

“That’s no disrespect to anybody at this level, that’s just a fact of life.

“You get better quality players, pitches, officiating - everything.

“He has to have a little mental shift when he’s back