Sittingbourne captain Joe Ellul has more to give as he sets about leading promotion challenge

Joe Ellul has told Sittingbourne fans there’s more to come as he sets about leading the club to promotion.

Centre-back Ellul built an instant rapport with Brickies fans following his February arrival from Maidstone United.

He was made captain by boss Ryan Maxwell and played a major part in securing Isthmian South East safety, helped by a 12-game unbeaten run.

Maxwell wants to fight for the title next season and showed his intent by securing the services of Ellul on a two-year contract - news that went down well with the Brickies faithful.

The skipper appreciates their support but he’s only just getting started.

“I’ve heard loads from the fans,” said Ellul, 35.

“It’s not that I don’t acknowledge them but I’ve only been here a few months - I’ve got a lot more to give.

“I’m enjoying my time here and trying to push the club in the right direction and get them promotion next season.

“The season ended at a bad time for us.

“Another five or six games and we’d have been pushing for the play-offs.

“When I joined, going in with Maxy and some of the boys there, I knew things would get better.

“It was just about the process, and the process worked very quickly.

“We started with a few draws and then we couldn’t stop winning.

“It’s a good place for me to be. It was in the pipeline for me to stay from when I first signed.

“Maxy wants me to be at the club for a number of years and also learn from him in the event of going into management, although that won’t be any time soon.

“It was an easy conversation to have with Maxy and the chairman (vice-chairman Andrew Marjeram) when it came to staying.

“It was a case of this is what we want from you, this is the timeframe.

“It was done over a beer and it was done very quickly.”

Ellul took a few