Yesterday, the Gulls announced that First-Team Manager Garry Kimble had left the club by mutual consent, Kimble was appointed back in October 2025 and oversaw 44 matches during his tenure, after taking over from Peter Taylor, where he inherited a Canvey side struggling at the foot of the Isthmian Premier Division

Kimble could hardly have asked for a better introduction. His first match in the dugout came away to Burgess Hill Town on Saturday 01 November 2025, and Canvey produced an assured performance to win 2–0. Max Fiddes was the hero, scoring both goals after the break. The first came shortly after half-time following an excellent run and cross from Calum Newson, while Fiddes doubled the advantage with 21 minutes remaining. It was more than simply three points. Canvey had looked a considerably stronger and more organised side, and the result immediately provided supporters with renewed optimism.

Garry initially appeared to steady the ship, as the Gulls followed the Burgess Hill victory with a spell that included a draw against Carshalton Athletic, while Kimble's side also picked up an important victory against Whitehawk. By late December, opponents were noting that Canvey had become a much-improved team under their new boss.

The improvement was particularly significant given where Canvey had been when Kimble arrived as the Gulls had spent much of the campaign fighting simply to escape the relegation places, and every victory carried extra importance.

One of the most memorable moments of Kimble's tenure came just after Christmas, as on the 27th December 2025, the Gulls hosted Essex rivals Billericay Town at the Steve’s Taxis Stadium. With both clubs battling near the either end of the table, it was a fixture with plenty riding on it. For long periods it looked as though the match would end goalless. Then, with the game heading towards its conclusion, Calum Newson struck a dramatic late winner to give Canvey a 1–0 victory.n The scenes of celebration reflected the importance of the result. It was a local derby, a vital three points and a victory secured in the most dramatic fashion possible. Alongside the earlier victory over Whitehawk, it helped create a brief period of momentum for Kimble's side.

Ultimately, however, the task proved too great, as the Gulls remained in the relegation battle throughout the second half of the 2025/26 season, they continued to show fight, but victories were difficult to come by.

By April, the Gulls' relegation had been confirmed following a 3–2 defeat at Billericay Town’s New Lodge. At that stage the club had recorded six league victories during the season, and the defeat brought an end to their stay in the Isthmian Premier Division after four seasons.

The circumstances made the disappointment particularly frustrating. Kimble had managed to produce improved performances and memorable results, but the deficit accumulated during the first part of the campaign proved impossible to overcome. Despite relegation, Kimble remained in charge and was tasked with rebuilding Canvey for life in the Isthmian North.

The summer of 2026 brought a sense of optimism. The club assembled a new-look squad with the aim of bouncing straight back, and Kimble spoke positively about the direction of the team.

There were encouraging moments almost immediately. Canvey secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory away at Cambridge City on the 15th August 2026. Jack Cawley and Ernest Okoh scored the goals, with the Gulls holding on despite a late Cambridge goal. The result gave the side an early confidence boost and represented Canvey's first league victory of the new campaign.

Then came another impressive cup performance in the FA Cup Preliminary Round, Canvey travelled to Kings Langley and produced a convincing 3–0 victory, with Mitchell May scoring a hat-trick. It was exactly the sort of result that suggested the Gulls could challenge towards the top end of the division.

A few days later came another eye-catching result, a 4–1 FA Trophy victory over local rivals Grays Athletic. Canvey began their Trophy campaign in style, producing a convincing performance against familiar opposition.

However, Kimble's tenure eventually came to an end in September 2026, marking an eleven month spell on the Island, where he managed a 20.5% win rate across the 44 matches. The club would like to place on record their thanks and appreciation for Garry’s efforts during his time in charge.