Chatham pitch in to maintain their Ryman League status

Chatham Town chairman Jeff Talbot is delighted to confirm that the club WILL keep their deserved place in the Ryman League Division One South next season, writes Stephen McCartney.

Mr Talbot paid tribute to everybody at the club that have worked tirelessly to ensure the council owned ground at Maidstone Road had passed their ground grading inspection made by the Football Association last Thursday.

Today’s news ensures manager Phil Miles can now start preparing for his second season at the helm - and is expected to announce his first summer signing tomorrow.

“I can confirm that the works undertaken by the club to achieve ground grading for the Ryman League Division One South has been successful,” he said in a statement on www.chathamtownfc.net.

“This has been a magnificent effort by all concerned.”

The ground at Maidstone Road was assessed for Grade D status in August 2006. This assessment identified significant improvement works needed to be undertaken to meet standards.

In particular, perimeter fencing, pitch-side barrier infill, a third turnstile, improved showers, safety works, improved dug-outs and signage was needed to bring the ground up to standard.

“To tackle the improvements we are building a long-term plan for, amongst other things, is a new perimeter fence, and a new turnstile lodge,” revealed Mr Talbot.

“This will cost in excess of £40,000, for which we will seek funding grants and match funding to achieve.

“Steve Binks, our commercial manager, is leading on this for the club and we hope to be able to see the benefits in around eighteen months time.

“The deadline for achieving ground grading status was set by the Football Association for 31^st March 2007, thus we had to build short term plans to meet the criteria.

“This we did, you will see new fences, pitch-side barriers, safety works, new showers and a third turnstile is now in place and signage has been improved.

“Achieving the grading standard has not been easy, a number of committee, youth team managers and club members have contributed their time.

“Many club members lead by Peter Bullock have raised funds for the developments. Our sponsors Ward Homes, Southern Fencing and Topps Scaffold have helped as have Medway Borough Council in providing financial support - even Phil Miles got his tools out to help.

“I should also mention the helpful support and understanding given by The FA and Ryman League during the delivery phase.

“A really big thank you al for this, a truly terrific team effort, which has transformed the Stadium in less than nine months.”

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