Herne Bay’s final game of their inaugural Isthmian Premier season - set to end in relegation - will be Kevin Watson’s last in charge.

Watson replaced Ben Smith in November and was joined by Adam Flanagan as his assistant, with the club bottom.

Third-bottom Bay’s fate was sealed with a 4-1 loss at Wingate & Finchley last weekend but, ahead of hosting champions Bishop’s Stortford this Saturday, it was confirmed Watson would step aside from his role at Winch’s Field at the end of the campaign.

The news comes after Stuart Fitchie stood down as chairman last month. A new chairman is understood to have been appointed at last weekend’s AGM - but their identity has not yet been revealed.

In a lengthy statement on Friday evening, Watson, who recently revealed players had gone weeks without their wages being paid, said: “It is with sadness that I announce this Saturday's game against Bishop’s Stortford will be my last as the first-team manager of Herne Bay.

“The decision to leave has been a difficult one and yet I feel it is the right one.

“It is difficult in the sense that I feel connected to the club, having got to know a lot of passionate people involved and supporting the club since arriving in late November. The right one in terms of what will be best, with the club needing to re-adjust its priorities and ambitions to stabilise things moving forward under a new chairman and board of directors.

“I need to make it abundantly clear that this decision has not been made as a result of relegation but rather other mitigating circumstances.

“When I left Cray Valley, I was privileged to be in a position where I had a few options available to further my managerial career. I chose Herne Bay because it represented to me the biggest challenge, with the club being at the bottom of the league.

“My intention at the time, based on agreements and assurances, was to stay for an extended period and certainly not to leave at the end of the season.

“Adam and myself came to the club with optimism, excitement and the belief we would push the club away from the bottom of the league and secure safety. Unfortunately, some of the initial agreements were not upheld which, over time, magnified the challenge we faced.

“Despite those challenges, I would like to think that those who have witnessed performances over the last five months have experienced a style of play which was pleasing to watch and which, statistically, would have resulted in survival if over the course of the entire season.”

Watson said this week he had no regrets about taking charge as Bay’s boss.

He continued: “I would like to personally thank Georgina Dean and the physio team for the work they have done this year, Aaron Smith for everything he has done on training and match days. Both of these people are real assets to the club.

“Joe Radford for his commitment to working with the club goalkeepers, which I appreciate at times can feel an isolated role.

“I would like to thank both Martyn Sexton and Ed Painter for doing the player registrations and match team sheets as, again, they are two good people whose work may go unnoticed at times. I’d also like to thank Chloe Gardner who, every time I asked for anything for the players, would go above and beyond to help and support us.

“All of the above have fulfilled their roles with professionalism and loyalty.

“I always say that a manager's most important appointment is his assistant. I have never viewed Adam Flanagan as an assistant but rather a partner who I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked alongside and who has contributed and supported more than he will ever be humble enough to admit.

“Others have helped along the way and I thank you equally.

“To the players, we asked you to change your mindset, we asked for more dedication and commitment. We asked for you to deliver in a tactical sense that may have been unfamiliar to some.

“In every aspect, you have been, not only receptive, but a genuine pleasure to work with and have at times exceeded what should be expected of you.

“Lastly, to the fanbase who I feel a real connection with, they have at times, entertained us as much as we have them.

“While my stay at the club has been short, being at Herne Bay has given me the biggest challenges I have ever faced in management, so it was everything I thought it would be and more when I arrived.

“I now wish the club the very best of fortune for next season, with no doubt that the new chairman and directors will have the best interests of the club at the forefront of their thinking and actions.

“When I’m in the area, I will most certainly pop in from time to time to catch up with everyone.

“Until that time I wish everyone the best - Keep safe, keep well – Up the Bay.”

“Everyone at Herne Bay Football Club would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Kevin and his team for their unfaltering dedication and professionalism during this season,” Bay added in a club statement.

“Kevin and his team have carried themselves incredibly during some extremely challenging times at HBFC and we will forever appreciate everything they have done.

“HBFC wish them nothing but the best, wherever they may go. Thanks, Kev.”

Watson previously had enjoyed a successful stint at Cray Valley, losing in the FA Vase Final at Wembley in 2019 and reaching the First Round of the FA Cup a year later.