PETER Little has returned to his spiritual home to take up the position as Slade Green manager for the forthcoming season.

It will be the former Slade Green player's second stint as boss.

Club treasurer Robert Smith said: "We are thrilled to have Peter back on board.

"Everyone was extremely disappointed when he relinquished his position as coach and left us to take up the position as manager of Erith Town 18 months ago, but fully understand his reasons for doing so.

"Peter was desperate to get back into management and the occasion arose. Unfortunately for him things didn't work out at Erith Town.

"However, anyone who knows Peter will be fully aware that his real home is here down at the Green."

Little also held the position of manager back in the mid 1990s but was forced to step down due to work commitments.

He returned to the Small Glen in 2003 to take up the position of coach under then-manager Phil Miles before moving onto Erith Town in December 2005.

The Little family is well known around the club with both the committee and supporters alike.

In the 1960s, Peter's dad Peter Little senior was Slade Green manager during the club's Kent Amateur league days.

Meanwhile, Green will face seven pre-season friendlies as Little prepares for the new Kent League campaign.

The opposition spans five different leagues and they kick off at Essex Olympian League outfit Frenford on Saturday.

They then face Essex Senior League opposition in the shape of Mauritius Sports & Pennant FC away three days later before welcoming another ESL side, Stanstead, to the Small Glen on July 28.

A trip to Kent County League side Bromley Sports on July 31 will then be followed by three consecutive home matches.

Running Horses will be at the Green on August 2, which will be followed by the visit of Ryman League side Chatham Town on August 4 and Kent County League outfit Crockenhill on August 7.