Sittingbourne manager Ryan Maxwell clamps down on 'terrible' timekeeping

Manager Ryan Maxwell has clamped down on Sittingbourne’s timekeeping as part of his drive to raise standards.

Maxwell says a lack of punctuality - whether intended or not - was disrespectful to his predecessor Nick Davis and Brickies fans.

He’s moved quickly to stamp it out and the players have responded.

“The timekeeping was terrible,” said Maxwell, with Sittingbourne preparing to host Sevenoaks at Woodstock this Saturday (3pm).

“It shows a lack of respect from the players towards the management and towards the fans.

“Maybe it wasn’t intentional but it was allowed to happen.

“Another thing was players leaving the bar before 6pm and not hanging around to show their appreciation to the fans.

“I was an observer at one game and saw players sauntering in late.

“They didn’t seem in a mad rush to get to the changing room.

“If you’re running to the changing room because you’ve got stuck in traffic or you’ve come from work, that’s one thing.

“But if you’re already late and then you’re sauntering in, that’s definitely not OK. That’s a fine.

“We’re not here to wait on you.

“This is a place of work, not a hobby or a social club, and it has to be treated as a place of work.

“If you’re late to work, you’re reprimanded.

“I’ve not been late for 10 years - it’s the worst thing anyone can be around me. The first thing you can give someone is your time.

“On a positive note, the players have responded very well. They wanted some structure, some direction.

“They wanted to be told what their role is and what the management want from them, and they certainly get that from us.

“We’re also training twice a week and we’ve given the players a style and a structure that is crystal-clear to understand because we keep it simple.”

Maxwell picked up