New Chatham boss Kevin Horlock cannot take charge for another week – due to international commitments.

The 42-year-old former Manchester City midfielder was the surprise high-profile choice to take over from Kevin Watson, who quit two weeks ago, at Maidstone Road.

But Horlock missed Chatham’s 2-1 win at Walton & Hersham on Saturday as he is coaching abroad with Northern Ireland’s under-17 squad.

“I wasn’t sure how this trip was going to work with Chatham and if it would go against me,” revealed Horlock. “I’ve got commitments with Northern Ireland under-17s in Israel for the next 10 days and I couldn’t let them down."

Horlock had only just returned from coaching with Northern Ireland’s under-21 squad when he landed the Chatham job last Thursday – 24 hours after being interviewed.

“The Chatham job came out of the blue and it has all fallen into place,” he admitted.

“I got told by a friend that it was available. I was away with Northern Ireland under-21s but I had an interview when I came back on Wednesday and got told I had the job the following day. It’s been a right whirlwind.

“It’s not ideal but these three games that I miss are not going to be a big decisive factor in Chatham’s season. I’m glad that the chairman and the board looked at it that way as well, and hopefully I can repay the faith they have shown in me.”

See Friday’s Medway Messenger for our exclusive full-length interview with Chatham’s new manager.