I hope our supporters can all play their part, says Faversham Town boss Ray Turner

FAVERSHAM TOWN boss Ray Turner has issued a rallying cry for vocal support to help his team to secure a play-off place at the end of the month.


The Lilywhites are enjoying their best campaign as a Ryman League club and go into their last four games sitting in fifth-place in the Ryman League Division One South table with 65 points.

They travel to league leaders Maidstone United tomorrow knowing that both sides must win to keep their aspirations alive.

The Stones are level on 79 points with Dulwich Hamlet at the top of the table, but Hamlet have a game in hand.

Faversham Town, meanwhile, are three points clear of sixth-placed Folkestone Invicta.

Turner, who has issued a statement on www.favershamtownfc.co.uk, is delighted with the progress that his club have made this season.

“There is something bigger happening at Faversham that I felt compelled to write about,” said Turner.

“A brilliant club is growing, an identity is forming.  There is cohesion in terms of our short and longer term vision on and off the pitch and then there is the support.”

Faversham Town are not renowned for a large away following, but Turner saw glimpses of change during their 2-2 draw at Hythe Town on 30 March.

He said: “I recall down at Hythe recently, it has only really been this season we have had any significant away support since I started at the club in 2005.

“We were 2-0 down against a side that had not conceded a goal for over 700 minutes but right beside me in the small stand under the clubhouse was a whole band of Lilywhite supporters, cheering and driving the team on with not one bit of negativity or criticism.  The team grew visibly and responded.

“I am not naïve enough to think that either myself or the team are exempt from criticism but negativity spreads a whole lot quicker and when you can see the boys putting in the effort they need (the supporters) right behind them.

Faversham’s eleven of their eighteen league victories have come away from Salters Lane this season.

Turner said: “I am only too aware of our home record and it is only natural you want and come and see your team winning at home, we have not done that enough.  We have certainly under performed at times at home.  Sometimes you have to be honest enough to except you have not been good enough on the day.  Rarely though has it been a lack of effort or application from the players.”

With such a big game in prospect on the 3G pitch at Maidstone United, Turner insists his side will push to get into the play-offs.

“I would love to hear some Faversham Town chants drowning out the Maidstone fans on Saturday,” said Turner.

“I will not promise you we can make the play-offs but what I can say is myself, Clive (Walker, my assistant manager) and all the players will give it a real go.

“If it happens I think it will be just reward for the players’ efforts. If it doesn’t happen then it will be another building block in our development.

“Some clubs are in a rush to get out of leagues to the detriment of the longevity of the club as a whole.

“We know we need supporters’ help to build attendances up (we obviously have to play our part to play in a way that entertains).  We have to build our financial strength up off the field.  We need to finance new builds around the ground to make it a more attractive venue.  All of this takes time of course, but I hope our supporters can all play their part.”

Visit Faversham Town’s website: www.favershamtownfc.co.uk

Maidstone United  v  Faversham Town
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 13 April 2013
Kick Off 3:00pm
at The Gallagher Stadium, James Whatman Way, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1LQ