In many respects the club is in a far better place than where I found it both on and off the pitch, says ex-Chatham Town boss Kevin Watson

KEVIN WATSON says he is considering making a playing comeback after resigning as Chatham Town’s manager yesterday.

The 34-year-old parted company with the Maidstone Road outfit after his side’s 1-1 draw at home to Peacehaven & Telscombe yesterday, which ended a run of four straight defeats.

Chatham Town are sitting in the bottom five in the Ryman League Division One South table after 12 games, winning three, drawing three and losing six of their games.

Chatham Town finished in the bottom four in the Ryman League Division One North table last season, which was the last of their four season’s in that division before their switch.

“When I entered management my intention and motive was always to give players positive experiences of the game,” Watson said in his statement.

“Reflecting on my time as manager of Chatham Town, I feel that I have achieved this for the majority.

“In many respects the club is in a far better place than where I found it both on and off the pitch.

“My decision is not rash and certainly not based on any one factor.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club and have worked with some great individuals.  

“My positive relations with the club remain and I will support the club in any way possible, other than washing the kit!

“Nothing would please me more than to see the club continue to progress and the talented players flourish under new management.

“I will consult with the board regarding my recommendations for the vacancy and do so with the best interests of the club at the forefront.

“Rather than name individuals at risk of missing someone out, I would like to thank the board, sponsors, supporters and club officials for the faith they have shown in me. I would like to thank the other members of my management team both past and present and I would like to thank every player who has ever played under my management, it has been a pleasure.

“The question that many have asked is,'what are my plans?' The honest answer is, I haven't got any. I do see myself returning to management but there is no timescale on that.

“My only regret in entering management at the time I did is that I feel I stopped playing too early. At 34 I am considering getting fit and possibly playing again, if my body allows me.”

Hugo Langton and Tommy Warrilow have already distanced themselves from the vacancy.

Tonbridge based coach Langton, who during his two seasons at Bromley helped the club finish third and first in Conference South, has said he is not interested.

Cuxton-based Warrilow, who in his last job pulled off The Great Escape to keep Cray Wanderers in the Ryman League Division One North after sealing a club record ten successive wins at the end of last season, says he is waiting for the right job to come up.

Warrilow, who runs West Ham’s Academy based at Hollands & Blair’s Star Meadow ground in Gillingham, said: “I don’t think that’s for me.

“At least I have had some phone calls about jobs, which is nice and hopefully the right call is not far away.”

The club, meanwhile, have not confirmed who will be in charge for Tuesday night’s home tie against Ramsgate in the Kent Reliance Senior Cup First Round.

Visit Chatham Town’s website: www.chathamtownfc.info