James Collins feels like he is a better manager after his time in charge of Herne Bay.

Collins left his post in a surprise move after just two months at the helm.

The news was revealed by the Isthmian South East side, less than 24 hours before their season-ending trip to relegated Steyning Town Community on Saturday - which ended in a 4-0 loss, with player-coach Liam Friend in the dugout - despite having maintained the club’s Step 4 status.

“It was an honour to manage the club,” said Collins. “I said that when I took over at the club.

“Whenever I have been involved in football, it’s always been a massive club. I’m pleased with the job that I’ve done.

“I didn’t bring in any of my management team and I only brought in two players in Manny (Emmanuel Oluwasemo) and Kie (Plumley).

“For my own confidence, that was good in terms of what I’m capable of where I’ve worked with new players and a backroom team that I’m not necessarily used to working with.

“I definitely feel like a better manager for the experience.”

And Collins, formerly of Cray Valley, Chatham, Bowers & Pitsea and Faversham, feels there are lessons he has learnt which he can take into his next role.

He said: “I think you’re always learning. I think the world is changing and football is changing.

“At every club, there’s things that work and some things that don’t work. The chairman has got his ideas on how he wants to do things and that’s exactly how it should be.

“But the experience has definitely given me confidence.”

Despite starting at Bay with a 2-1 loss against fellow strugglers Phoenix Sports, Collins helped the team produce 26 goals in their next 10 league matches - including a 9-1 home thumping of Lancing - before they ended the campaign with consecutive losses.

Collins said: “When I spoke to Matt (Barman, chairman), that was the first conversation we had. We had to secure the club’s Isthmian South East status.

“Obviously, I’m very pleased that we have done that. Herne Bay is a massive club.

"It wouldn’t have been great for the town if the team went down.

“But that’s not taking away from what went before, it was more just a case of getting a few more wins.”

Collins also praised the Bay fans.

“I don’t think I won everyone over,” he accepted. “I was only there for a short space of time.

“But they’re all so passionate about the club. A lot of fans of other clubs might support their local team and then another team but, if you’re a Herne Bay supporter, that’s your team.

“I’m very privileged to have managed the club.

“I’m very proud that it’s now on my CV so I thank the fans and wish the club nothing but the best.”

While Collins didn’t rule out taking on another job ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, although no role is forthcoming yet this summer.

He said: “I don’t know.

"If the right job becomes available, it’s always possible. But I’ve had two clubs this season, which isn’t ideal.

“I’m looking forward to a break now - as I’m sure everyone is. Then, let’s see what the summer holds.”

Bay chairman Barman said: “After a tumultuous start to the season, we found ourselves being drawn into a relegation battle. James was appointed with the remit to keep our club in the Isthmian South East League.

“We thank James wholeheartedly for doing just that and wish him nothing but the best for the future.”

Former Sevenoaks and Forest Hill Park boss Mark Dacey and popular ex-Bay midfielder Danny Lawrence, who will leave Canterbury City as they return to playing in the city at a lower level after a spell ground-sharing at Margate’s Hartsdown Park, have already been linked with the vacant role.