Leatherhead skipper Iain Hendry reckons incoming boss Mick Sullivan is the perfect man to pilot a Tanners revival at Fetcham Grove.

Former Merstham boss Sullivan was the surprise choice to take over following the departure of caretaker Mickey Stephens at the end of a disappointing season which saw Leatherhead finish 15th in Ryman Division One South.

And defender Hendry is excited by the move.

He said: “I wasn’t even aware that Mick had thrown his hat into the ring, but it is a great move for the club.

“He has done extremely well at Merstham and he has built them up into a respected side.

“I have spoken to him on the phone and I liked what he had to say.

“Kim Harris is also coming in as his assistant, and few people have a better track record than Kim.

“The thing I’m most looking forward to is a change in style.

“Mick likes to play football and instill a passing game and, to be honest, we were not the prettiest side to watch last year.”

A turbulent season at Leatherhead saw Ian Hazel, Bob Langford and Stephens hold the reins at different times.

And Hendry is looking forward to some stability at the Grove.

He added: “When managers keep chopping and changing you do not get time to gel.

“Different players seemed to be coming in every week and it is very difficult to get any patterns going with people you have hardly met before.

“But if Mick can bring in some new faces before the start of the campaign and we have a good pre-season this could be a much better year for us, and I am really looking forward to it.”

A Leatherhead XI face the Arsenal Charity team this Sunday (May 31) at Fetcham Grove as a testimonial game for Hendry, with proceeds going to both Childline and CHASE children’s hospice.