Sittingbourne vice-chairman Andrew Marjeram pays tribute to manager Ryan Maxwell after a season to remember

Sittingbourne vice-chairman Andrew Marjeram says manager Ryan Maxwell is a joy to work with.

Maxwell and his backroom team transformed the Brickies from Isthmian South East relegation candidates to promotion contenders in a season.

They were in the bottom three when the ex-Braintree boss cut short a break from football to take charge in January last year.

After leading them to safety he set about challenging at the other end of the table, securing third place and a first-ever play-off campaign.

They lost 2-1 to Three Bridges in the semi-finals on Tuesday night but it’s been a season to remember.

Marjeram led the search for Nick Davis’ successor and, in Maxwell, he couldn’t have found a better fit.

“We just hit it off from day one,” said Marjeram.

“We’re both very passionate. He uses words like DNA and I think we follow that.

“We’re both hot-headed but in a good way - that’s the passion - and his attention to detail is phenomenal.

“It’s about having that relationship where we can’t give him everything he wants but what we do promise, we will deliver and he’s done exactly that and more.

“It’s a joy to work with him. He’s such a great guy and can go levels above, no question, but what’s really important to him is he enjoys it here, which I know he does, and the fans worship him.

“We’re like a family at this club and that's not just Ryan, that’s his staff and the players he’s brought in.

“They’re all fighting for the shirt, and that stems from Ryan, but also the fans and the board as well.

“As a board, we don’t always get it right - we’re only human - so we’ve just got to enjoy it while we can and do everything we can to keep it going.”

Maxwell had playing spells in Kent with Gravesend, Margate and Tonbridge but the