Sittingbourne manager Ryan Maxwell heaps praise on midfielder Richie Hamill and his magic left foot as Brickies continue flying form

Sittingbourne manager Ryan Maxwell says midfielder Richie Hamill’s left foot is one of the best he’s seen in non-league football.

Hamill, a summer signing from Swale rivals Sheppey, has been a key performer in the Brickies’ excellent start to the Isthmian South East season.

He impressed again on Saturday, setting up goals for Donvieve Jones and Liam Smith, and scoring himself in a 3-0 home win over Three Bridges.

“He’s got that fantastic left foot,” said Maxwell, whose side who 3-0 at struggling Phoenix on Tuesday night thanks to Mitchell May, Jones and Henry Lukombo.

“It’s up there with the best I’ve come across in non-league, and I mean that. It is absolutely brilliant.

“He’s got all different types of passes in his locker, outside of the foot, backspin, sweeping across the pitch, diagonal balls, and his set-pieces are immaculate, so reliable and consistent.”

Maxwell knew he was signing a quality player when he brought Hamill to Sittingbourne in July.

But the ex-Sheppey skipper, 30, has proved to be even better than the Brickies boss realised, helping them to third place in the league.

“Richie’s been a fantastic signing,” said Maxwell.

“I’ve got more than what I thought I was getting. He’s really impressed me.

“He’s a super footballer, a great passer, with great vision, but what’s really impressed me is how good he is out of possession, that he might not get credit for.

“I can promise you he’s been excellent in terms of his work rate.

“He’s really been tremendous in everything he’s done, not just his technical abilities, and I’m really impressed with his character.

“When you’re trying to build a stronger squad, you’ve got to have a look and see what you need and I felt Richie Hamill was someone we needed.

“He’s loving