King James: Kingstonian sign up Dad of Champions League winner Reece

FAMILY AFFAIR: Reece James celebrates winning the Champions League for Chelsea with dad Nigel, who has joined Kingstonian

PICTURE: Alamy

KINGSTONIAN boss Hayden Bird says the Ks have added a real star maker after Nigel James, dad of football stars Reece and Lauren James, agreed to become their U18s boss and join Bird’s first-team management staff.

James watched son Reece lift the Champions League in Portugal last week ahead of his selection in England’s European Championships squad.

Daughter Lauren plays for Manchester United and, in March, became the first women’s player to score at Old Trafford.

James has strong coaching pedigree and development of young players with the successful Nigel James Elite Coaching academy.

And Bird believes his arrival can help the Pitching In Isthmian Premier club on their journey.

 Sister Lauren, the Manchester United player

“I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Nigel,” Bird said. “His record speaks for itself and will play a pivotal role in helping Kingstonian realise our ambitions.

“In addition to developing the kids, Nigel will also become part of the first-team management. He is a good friend and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Meanwhile, Ks have signed 19-year-old left-back Bryant Akono Bilongo from Hanworth Villa and midfielder Ker shaney Williams. The former Dulwich man helped Merstham to the play-off final in 2019 and arrives from Carshalton Athletic.