It's important just like the Olympic Games our 130th birthday leaves a legacy, says Chatham chairman

CHATHAM TOWN chairman Jeff Talbot says the club are looking to celebrate their 130^th anniversary next season.


The Medway club finished their Ryman League Division One North campaign in fifteenth-place last season, winning sixteen and drawing six of their 42 league games.

But the club struggled financially as they averaged gates of just 131 (the eighth best supported club) in that division last season, where the only local rival was Thamesmead Town, but if they were to play in Ryman League Division One South next season, Chatham will lock horns with many more Kent sides which would increase attendances and income.

Their awards night took place at the Maidstone Road Sports Ground last Friday evening and the club’s new bar extension was used for the very first time.

Guest of honour and one of the club’s Local councillors Cllr Vince Maple was in attendance to present the prizes.

He said: “With the club about to enter its 130^th anniversary, it was my privilege to be involved.

“With everything else going on in the (Medway) Towns in the next year, it’s easy to overlook the club’s birthday.

“Yet given the work they do in the local community, the anniversary must not be allowed to slip past unnoticed or uncelebrated.”

Chairman Mr Talbot added in his statement on the club’s official website www.chathamtownfc.net: “Having Cllr Maple here shows just how we are branching out into the local community as we look to continue to build on the progress that Kevin (Watson) and the players have made this season whatever division the League decides to put us in next season.

“And as we focus on expanding every more, it’s important just like the Olympic Games, our 130^th birthday leaves a legacy that today’s juniors can take on into the future.”

The main award of the night, the Players’ player-of-the-year, despite two votes and a recount, was shared by central defender Kes Metotri and midfielder Matt Solly.

Manager Kevin Watson awarded his player-of-the-year award to Matt Newman. 

There was special presentations to Kevin’s back room staff of Kevin Levett and Barry Ball.

The clubman of the year award was also shared between supporters Mick Savin and James Brown who have given up many, many hors helping to build the new bar extension, which will be officially opened later in the summer.

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