The former Chatham Town boss will bring in former Lilywhite Nick Davis as his assistant and Bradley Sandeman as first team coach.

The trio watched from the stands as Faversham beat East Grinstead Town 1-0 on Saturday.

Collins, 36, was Chatham’s manager for two years until leaving in September, winning the Kent Senior Trophy and Southern Counties East League Cup during his time there.

He has also managed Cray Valley PM, Lordswood, Corinthian, Sutton Athletic and Erith Town.

The Board appointed Collins after an process that attracted more than 20 applicants.

New assistant manager Nick Davis is a UEFA B Licence coach and will work with Sandeman on training sessions.

Collins told https://www.favershamtownfc.co.uk: “I’m excited to be at the club and can’t wait to get started.

“I’ve devoted a great deal of time to the game and work tirelessly to progress the club on and off the pitch.

“I spend my spare time watching football and have built up a network of contacts and players.

“I consider myself to be a very hardworking, ambitious manager and believe I am a good man-manager and motivator.

“I also like to play attractive attacking football and have always built teams with an eye on the future and within any restraints given.

“I was looking for an ambitious club that matches my own ambitions, so that we can progress together over the coming years, and I believe the future here can be a very exciting one.”

Chairman Paul Bennett said: “We’d like to welcome James, Nick and Brad to the club and look forward to working with them.

“James has had a successful couple of years at Chatham Town and is exactly the sort of progressive manager that we want at the club.

“He’s as ambitious as we are as a club, and we were impressed by the plans he has to take the club forward.

“Nick is a former player here who has managed at this level himself and brings a wealth of experience and contacts to the club”.