Halsey returns as right hand man to rookie boss

Former Herne Bay and Ramsgate manager Simon Halsey will back on the touchline in Ryman South next season at Whitstable Town as number two to new manager Will Graham.

Halsey has returned to the Belmont in the same role he held under former manager Marc Seager eight years ago when the club won promotion to the Ryman League and was introduced to supporters at a fans forum on Tuesday night by Whitstable Town chairman Gary Johnson.

Halsey, pictured, was joint-manager with Billy Walton at Southern Counties East League side Fisher FC at the start of last season before taking charge at Ramsgate in January following Dean Hill's departure from Southwood.

Halsey won the Kent League title and two Kent League Cups during his reign at Herne Bay and has also held a number of roles at Dartford, VCD Athletic and Lordswood.

As well as bringing back Halsey as assistant manager to aid Graham in his first managerial role, Steve Woollcott has also returned to the Oystermen as first-team coach.

In a brief statement on the Kent club's website, a spokesman said: "Will Graham is delighted to announce the appointment of Simon Halsey as his assistant manager. We welcome both Simon and Steve back to the Belmont."

After sitting in on club’s forum with Graham and Johnson, Halsey is looking forward to the challenge ahead after his last job keeping Ramsgate in the Ryman League.

He told www.kentonline.co.uk: “There were a lot of familiar faces there who made me welcome. Will and Gary spoke well. Will and I first spoke a few weeks ago, he went away and talked to the club and things moved on from there.

"I will help him in every aspect of the job, it’s all about staying level-headed when things are going well and when they are not.”

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