Finding our new manager is top priority, says outgoing Whitstable chairman

WHITSTABLE TOWN begin the search for a new chairman following Tony Rouse’s decision to step down from his role today, writes Stephen McCartney.

Mr Rouse, 62, has led the Belmont Road club for four seasons, which has included winning the Kent League title for the very first time in the club’s proud history; winning the Kent Senior Trophy at Dartford’s Princes Park; finishing their first two Ryman League Division One South campaigns with 50 points and reaching the final of the Kent Senior Cup.

Mr Rouse, with ten years’ service, will, however, remain on the committee and will vote on who he wants to become the club’s new manager, following Marc Seager’s shock decision to quit immediately after the last game of the season on 25th April, citing that he wants to spend more time with his young family.

“My decision to step down was actually made before Marc decided to spend some more time with his family,” revealed Mr Rouse, when speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk at lunchtime today.

“I felt I couldn’t announce it (my resignation) in the same weekend that Marc did, and he took me rather by surprise, but to be honest it’s been in my thoughts for some time.

“I’ve had an operation on my arm nine weeks ago and it’s been very, very slow to heal.  That’s played a part in my decision.

“Also, in my business life, like a lot of people, I’m finding life very difficult at the moment and I need to spend some time generating some income so that again has been a factor.”

Former chairman, Joe Brownett, with over 20 years service to the Belmont Road outfit, has agreed to step in as interim manager.

“In stepping down, I feel it’s a wonderful opportunity for a new chairman to come in, because quite often in these situations it’s almost like the chairman is jumping a sinking ship,” explained Mr Rouse.

“Whitstable Town are not like that; I’ve got great relationships with everyone on board; there’s no problems at all.

“The previous chairman Joe Brownett, whose been involved with Whitstable Town for over 20 years, has agreed to step into the breach as interim chairman so goes back with a steady hand on the tiller, which is fantastic.

“I spoke to Joe about stepping down beforehand and he’s happy to take up the reigns.  Whilst he’s happy to take up the reigns the search is imminent for a new chairman and whilst I wouldn’t say that money was the be all and end all, obviously with the way of the world at the moment , that somebody has to be able to either generate the income through contacts or through other means.

“The main thrust of the future of the football club is obviously progression.”

Messrs Brownett and Rouse - and the rest of the committee  - will undergo a strict interviewing process to fill the breach left by the club’s most successful manager, who surprised everyone by quitting the club immediately after the Oystermen’s 1-1 home draw against Godalming Town.

Reflecting on the club’s 16th place position in Ryman One South, two places lower than their inaugural campaign, Mr Rouse admitted he’s satisfied.

“It’s been a fantastic season because we finished the season as a Ryman League club, which was our ambition at the beginning of the season,” he said.

“Albeit we had a wobble before Christmas, we got to the final of the Kent Senior Cup for the first time in the club’s history.”

Although keeping tight-lipped about managerial candidates, Mr Rouse added that a decision about who will replace Seager will be made shortly.

“We are starting to interview this week,” he revealed.  “We’ve had a number of applications, we’re always looking for stability within the football club so to that end we won’t take a long time in making our mind up.

“Once we’ve decided on the applicants and the ones to interview we’ll get done with some haste.

“We want the new incumbent manager to get his feet under the table so he can start planning for the new season.

“It gives the new manager the perfect opportunity to bring his own players in and he’s own backroom staff, should he choose to, and to start the season running.

“He will be the one that plans the pre-season friendlies and the one that chooses the team.  

“I must say the nucleus of the side that we’ve got there is really strong, with a lot of good young players in it and I’d be delighted if he should choose to keep the very vast majority of players that we already have on board.”

Mr Rouse added that the present coaching staff of Simon Halsey (assistant), Mark Lane (goalkeeping coach) and Graeme Brown (physio) will stay at the club - if required.

But he added, “It will be made plain to the new manager, whoever he might be, his appointment if not based on him talking over existing personnel.

“It will be a decision that will be taken very quickly because we want the stability.  The search for the new chairman goes on but the priority is the new manager.

“The interview will be done in front of the committee and the decision will be made by a show of hands, whilst the manager will be out of the room and the majority will decide, which is the way we do things at Whitstable.”

Visit Whitstable Town’s website: www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk