SITTINGBOURNE appointed non-league goalscoring legend Gary Abbott as their new manager on Friday morning.

Abbott, 42, takes over from Steve Lovell, who quit the club two weeks ago to take over at Ashford Town.

Abbott will take charge of Sittingbourne for the first time on Saturday at home to Ryman League Division 1 South title-chasing Tooting & Mitcham.

He has experience of that level having recently played for Cray Wanderers, but Abbott is best known in non-league circles for prolific spells with Barnet, Welling and Aldershot.

Former Tonbridge boss Tony Dolby was among the candidates believed to have been interviewed for the post at Bourne Park.