Staplehurst Monarchs name new Boss
Staplehurst Monarchs United have appointed Steve Sands as their new First-Team Manager.
Sands has replaced Luke Wallond, who was appointed the new manager of SCEFL First Division side Snodland Town earlier in the month.
“We are excited by the experience that Steve brings to the club,” said a statement from the Kent County League Premier Division club.
“During his accomplished playing career, Steve spent seven seasons with Hastings United. He went on to join Hawkhurst United in what was the most successful time in his playing career, winning six trophies in only three seasons.
Steve also has previous links to Staplehurst Monarchs completing in the Kent County League Premier for the club before moving to Hildenborough Athletic to finish his career, winning the league in 2012-13.
Hildenborough was also where Steve began his coaching and management career before moving to Southern Counties East Football League First Division side Rusthall in the 2016-17 season.
Steve led the side to promotion in his first season and secured Premier Division status the following year.
In 2018-19 Steve returned to Hastings United in the Isthmian League South East Division as first-team assistant coach and under 23 coach.
In his first season, Hastings’ first-team unfortunately lost in the play-off semi-finals and the under 23s finished second in the league.
The 2019-20 season saw Hastings sitting top of the league, seven points clear before the season was abandoned due to Covid-19.
Steve clearly brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and proven record of success.
The club believe Steve will help move the first team and whole club forward in the years’ to come.”
Monarchs were sitting at the top of the Kent County League Premier Division table at the time of the COVID-19 outbreak and now for the second time in a row have unluckily been denied promotion up to Step 6.