I intend to lead Herne Bay into the Ryman League in our 125th year, says new chairman

JOHN BATHURST has explained why he has stepped down as the chairman of Kent League club Herne Bay after eleven years at the helm, writes Stephen McCartney.


Mr Bathurst, who will undertake secretarial and treasury duties at Winch’s Field, has been replaced by Trevor Kennett, the chief executive of Safety Net Associates Group.

Safety Net Associates have withdrawn their sponsorship of the Kent League after just one season, blaming a lack of support from member clubs, but sponsor the club and are title sponsors of the club’s ground at Winch’s Field, which is based at Stanley Gardens.

“After serving 12 years as chairman, I have decided to stand down to allow a new man to guide the club forward to achieve promotion to the Ryman League,” Mr Bathurst said in a statement, which was published on www.hernebayfc.net.

The club finished runners-up to Faversham Town and Hythe Town, who were both promoted from the Kent League, in the last two years, but secured back-to-back Kent League Cup Final victories over Sevenoaks Town and Hythe Town, and Mr Bathurst hopes the club will gain an eagerly awaited promotion into the Ryman League under Mr Kennett’s guidance.

Mr Bathurst added: “Finding a suitable replacement to continue taking the club forward, in the same direction I have taken, was the most challenging problem. Trevor is the ideal choice and I am absolutely delighted that he has come forward and accepted the challenge.

“I was extremely proud in 1999 when asked by then chairman, Roland Whatley-Bates to take over at the club and I believe I have raised the profile of the club to the level achieved in the Tommy Sampson era.

“My main ‘goal’ of course, was promotion, but sadly after four runners-up spots I now feel that a change of leadership will provide the necessary impetus to reach this landmark in the club’s history.

“I have put in a lot of time and effort as chairman. I have had my critics, but I have always put the club first in our quest for promotion. The club has no debt or ‘skeletons’ in the cupboard.

“I would like to thank all the committee members who have helped me to operate the club over the last 11 seasons and to our manager, Simon (Halsey), who has shown tremendous loyalty to the club, besides bringing successive victories in the League Cup and League runners-up in the last two seasons and for bringing together a great bunch of lads, who have consistently produced the wonderful football we have all witnessed, particularly, over the last two seasons.

“Thanks to everyone who has supported the club. Now let’s all get behind Trevor and get the promotion the club richly deserves."

In taking on the role Mr Kennett said: "It is a great honour to be chair of such a great club. I would like to pay tribute to my predecessor, John Bathurst, for all of his hard work and dedication."  

He added: “I am very excited about this appointment and I am delighted that John has agreed to stay with the club as club secretary and treasurer.

“As chairman of Herne Bay Football Club, I intend to continue to provide clear and consistent leadership to what is undoubtedly one of the best football clubs in Kent in our 125th year and in pursuit of promotion to the Ryman’s Football League.”

Mr Kennett will take on the role with immediate effect.

Herne Bay begin their eight-game pre-season campaign with a home match against Bethnal Green United on Saturday 9^th July (3pm).  The club’s annual general meeting shall take place inside the clubhouse at 12:30pm.

Visit Herne Bay’s website: www.hernebayfc.net