Ben Swift Returns to Football with Sittingbourne after Injury Layoff

Ben Swift has made a significant comeback to football, joining Sittingbourne following a two-year hiatus caused by a serious knee injury. The 28-year-old defender last played a competitive match in November 2023 while with Tonbridge, but now aims to regain his form with the Brickies as they push for promotion in the Isthmian South East league.

Swift, known for his traditional defensive style, began his career with Maidstone United’s academy before making headlines when he signed with Premier League club Aston Villa. His experience is expected to be a vital asset for Sittingbourne as he works towards match fitness.

Supportive Management and Exciting Prospects

Sittingbourne’s manager, Reece Prestedge, along with assistant manager Joe Anderson, are eager to welcome Swift into the team. Both Prestedge and Anderson were former teammates of Swift at Margate, fostering a strong relationship that they believe will benefit the player’s integration.

Anderson expressed enthusiasm about Swift’s potential, stating, “He’s a very good player – we’re excited to work with him again. He just needs to play football essentially, just to get back fit, because he’s more than capable of playing higher.” He confirmed Swift’s physical readiness by noting that he participated in a Hyrox event recently, indicating that his fitness levels are promising.

Sittingbourne is looking to enhance their defensive strength with Swift partnering alongside Jack Steventon. Anderson highlighted the duo’s familiarity off the pitch, which he hopes will translate into a solid partnership on the field.

Recent Match Performance and Upcoming Challenges

In their most recent outing, Sittingbourne faced Herne Bay, where they fought back to secure a 1-1 draw. The result was a setback in their pursuit of a sixth consecutive victory under Prestedge, but the team remains optimistic. Anderson remarked, “It was nice to put your own stamp on it a little bit. The boys were disappointed we didn’t get the second goal but it’s a tricky place to go.”

This week marks the first clear training schedule for Sittingbourne since Prestedge took over, allowing for crucial preparation ahead of their upcoming match against Eastbourne Town on September 30, 2023. Anderson noted the importance of training sessions to instill fundamental skills and strategies into the team, stating, “It’s nice to have the Tuesday-Thursday to get some training done and lay down what we want a little bit more.”

As Sittingbourne currently sits fifth in the league standings, with maximum points accumulated in their first five games under Prestedge, the management is focused on maintaining momentum while enhancing the players’ tactical understanding. Anderson emphasized the need to push forward without becoming complacent, saying, “We said give yourselves a pat on the back but don’t rest on your laurels, be ready to kick on again.”

Anderson’s recent appointment as assistant manager marks his return to football three years after finishing his playing career at Margate. Having previously completed his UEFA B Licence, he expressed a preference for coaching adult players over youth, noting the challenges of delivering critical feedback to younger athletes.

With Swift’s return and a renewed focus on training, Sittingbourne aims to solidify their position in the play-off race and continue their pursuit of promotion in the upcoming weeks.