'The toughest thing about leaving Charlton Athletic...' - Kevin James on new role as Walton & Hersham boss and injuries wrecking his hopes of a playing career with Addicks

Outgoing academy coach also picks out which young players have best chance of making mark in first-team

Kevin James is ready for his first shot at management but readily admits that the hardest part of his decision to take the Walton & Hersham job is breaking up his working relationship with Jason Pearce.

The 46-year-old had been a professional development phase coach in Charlton Athletic’s academy since July 2023.

James, who started his playing career with the Addicks but never made a senior appearance due to injury issues, assisted Pearce at U18 level and departed off the back of them winning the Professional Development League national title last month.

“The toughest thing about leaving Charlton is leaving Pearcey,” James told South London Sport: Charlton Athletic Edition. “The way we both see the game and connect together is on a high, high level.

“Our wives go to us: ‘Have you spoken to your husband today?’ That is how it is with us! We were relentless in speaking to each other, day in and day out, at all sorts of times. I would leave the training ground and still sometimes be on the phone to Pearcey for another hour.