Former Ebbsfleet United boss Steve Brown has returned to football management in Kent.

The 44-year-old former Charlton Athletic and Reading defender has been named assistant manager to Nikki Bull at Vanarama National League South side Margate.

One-time Dover assistant manager Brown was appointed Ebbsfleet boss in June 2013 and spent 18 months at Stonebridge Road before being sacked in November 2014.

His last senior managerial role was at Lewes, a role he left in September 2015 since when he has been primarily coaching and scouting.

Gate boss Bull welcomed Brown's appointment and said he will add valuable experience to the club's backroom staff alongside him and first team coach Paul Barnes.

Bull added: "A few weeks ago when I could see things were going to get tough I felt we just needed a bit more support with the coaching set-up.

"I didn't want to get to the end of the season and feel that I hadn't done everything I could so we drew up a list of names and first spoke to him a couple of weeks ago.

"It's another set of ears and eyes and a different voice in the dressing room. Steve has managed at this level before and he's been coming to our games and giving me some honest assessment of some of the players we've got.

"I think his input will be invaluable as we try to move the club forward."

Brown is good friends with Gate co-chairman designate Alistair Bayliss, with whom he worked at both Dover and Ebbsfleet.

Mr Bayliss explained: "I've known Steve a long time and have always rated him very highly as a coach. The reality is that Nikki needs some help because until now he's being doing everything on his own."

Brown will be in the dug-out for the first time for the FA Trophy third qualifying round replay at East Thurrock United on Tuesday.