Maltman is Blues’ new manager

The former Ferring boss will take charge of Blues for next season as he replaces Ryan Morten, who stepped down at the end of the season.

Maltman will be assisted by Tony Pendolino and Kevin Ware and the new reserve team manager is Gary Fletcher.

Maltman said: “It’s a new challenge and I’m really looking forward to it.

“I’ve been out of the game for five months and it’s a good feeling to be back.

“Rustington is a good, family-run club and it’s a nice club to be at. The players I’ve spoken to are keen to stay and I’ll be speaking to a few other players that I’ll be trying to bring in as well.”

Blues are still unsure what division they will be playing in next season, despite finishing in a relegation place, second from bottom in County League Division 2, but Maltman was happy to take on the role regardless.

He was appointed after the club interviewed three candidates for the role and chairman Frank Sumner said: “He impressed us at his interview and his outlook on football, funnily enough, matches the same of those of us at the club.

“He also showed that same enthusiasm that years ago I had, and it seemed like he really wanted the job.”