Ian Varley is back in football after a short break, as the assistant manager at Sittingbourne FC, and he is enjoying being back at a club that he knows well.

Varley is a former player at the club and it feels like it was the opportunity for him to come home to a club he knows well.

He said: “It’s great to be back, I think the thing you miss most is the buzz of the changing room so I’m delighted and thankful to Aslan for getting me back involved.

“When I first moved down here 11 years ago it was the first club I played for when Steve Lovell was the manager so I’m glad to be back and hopefully help the team now and in the future.”

Having been both an assistant manager and a manager in the last few seasons, Ian feels he has the attributes to help the team and also develop further.

He added: “To be honest I’m comfortable doing both roles so really doesn’t make too much difference for me. Experience of both certainly helps, of course it does but for me it was a great chance to get back involved and something I’m really enjoying.”

Ian was brought into the club by Aslan Odev who is himself in his first role in management and Ian believes they are working well together.

“I am thoroughly enjoying working with him and supporting him as much as I can. As with most managers jobs that come available mid-season it’s usually a tough job and it certainly is that.

“He’s had to take over from the previous regime who had won 2 in 20 games but he’s working hard and most importantly he has the backing of the staff and the players.

“You would like to think the players are motivated to win games of football no matter where that might take them in the league so I don’t think that’s an issue. We just need to build the players confidence up and the results will come.”

With the inclement weather that has led to so many postponements in recent weeks, it means that it is going to be a busier end to the season than normal.

Ian said: “It is going to be very busy!!! I think we still have 12 or more games to go and it’s mid-march so will certainly be playing every Saturday and midweek for the rest of the season.”

“ We are currently just focused on ending the season in a positive manner and seeing where that takes us.”

Finally we asked Ian whether when he was a player and working with current Gills boss Steve Lovell whether he was destined to manage in the Football League.

He said: “You always knew he could and the Gillingham job was the one he always wanted. I am not surprised at all with what he has done at the Gills, he’s a top coach and a brilliant man manager which is massive in modern day football. He’s a good person and people will always want to do well for him which is why they’ve flown up the table. Long may it continue!”