Horlock named as new Chats boss

Horlock, unveiled as the successor to Kevin Watson at The Sports Ground on Thursday, will take the helm for the first time on Saturday when the fourth-from-bottom Chats head to Walton & Hersham in league action.

After setting up and running Needham Market's academy for nearly five years as well as managing the Ryman Premier club's reserves, Horlock, pictured, stood down at Bloomfields last week.

Born in Erith, the 42-year-old UEFA A licensed coach won 34 international caps during a playing career that also took in West Ham, Swindon and Ipswich as well as Doncaster Rovers, Scunthorpe United and Mansfield Town before he signed for the Marketmen back in 2008.

In a statement announcing his arrival, Chatham Town's director of football Steve Binks said: "We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Horlock as the new first team manager.

"Kevin has now moved back to his roots in Kent and everyone at Chatham Town would like to wish him a very warm welcome and also a very successful career at Chatham Town Football Club."

Former Chats boss Watson, 34, succeeded Paul Foley in May 2011. He parted company with the club in the wake of the 1-1 draw at home to Peacehaven & Telscombe at the start of October, a result that ended a four-match losing run that had left the Chats hovering one place above the drop zone.

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