TWO south Essex non-league football managers have had their say after former professional and TV personality Jimmy Bullard was named Leatherhead manager.

Billericay Town’s Craig Edwards and Canvey Island’s Danny Heale will share a touchline with the former Fulham and Hull City player this season, with both having recorded victories over the Tanners already this term.

It is Bullard’s first managerial role since his retirement four years ago, and he has been better known recently for appearing on a number of TV shows including reality programme ‘I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!’

And Edwards said he wished Bullard had been in charge just a fortnight ago, when his team won 4-2.

“I wish it had been done a little bit earlier as we played them not long ago,” he said. “I think it is good for the league as he is a big personality although how it will pan out only time will tell.

“It would have been good to come up against them and beat them with him in charge though.”

Gulls boss Danny Heale said he was unsure how Bullard would take to the job, with player knowledge key when dropping down the leagues.

“It was a bit of a shock but he is a great character,” he said, having watched his team beat Leatherhead 3-0 in the early weeks of the season. “Time will tell how good a decision it will be but it is a tough league.

“If he knows the players he will do well but it is different to doing a bit of TV work that’s for sure.”