It’s not grim up north, insists Mead’s McMahon

Friday 29th May 2009

CHATHAM TOWN chairman Jeff Talbot has welcomed the Football Association’s decision to switch the club back to their rightful place - Ryman League Division One South, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Medway outfit suffered financially during their one-year stint in Ryman One North last season, but Mr Talbot, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk is looking forward to lucrative Kent derbies with Ashford Town, Ramsgate, Sittingbourne and Whitstable Town next season.

“You can imagine five of those derbies will probably put 100 on the gate on each one of those, so it’s another 500 (people) through the turnstiles we can expect - it’s a lot of money,” he said.

Statistics confirm that Ryman One South is by far a more lucrative division, compared to its equivalent across the River Thames.

“Well, it was tough because we had to put financial restraints on the management team and on the players as well,” he added.

“That meant perhaps one or two players that we would have liked didn’t come to the club and perhaps one or two have probably left because they can get better money elsewhere.”

But the club’s switch means new manager Alex O’Brien can sign players that want to spend their time travelling around Kent, Surrey and Sussex rather than go through the Dartford tunnel to play in front of mediocre crowds.

“When I spoke to our players at the end of last season they were all keen to see us in the south, and that was their words” revealed Mr Talbot.

“Loads of players are more likely to come to Chatham now than in the previous season - it’s good news for us.”

Thamesmead Town failed to attract one single League crowd of over 100 during their first campaign in Ryman League Division One North last season.

But that is set to change as newly promoted neighbours VCD Athletic, who clinched the Bulmers Cider Kent League title last season, join them in the northern division.

Whilst Chatham Town can now look forward to welcoming the crowds in the Southern division, Mead manager Keith McMahon is more than happy to stay where they are.

“We’ve done a year in Ryman North,” McMahon told www.kentishfootball.co.uk. “I’ve done my homework there. If we had gone in the South, as much as obviously gate wise attractive it might have been, it would have been hard to go in a new league.

“I would have done my homework again, which isn’t a problem, but the level of football in Ryman North last year was really strong.

“I’m pleased where we are. I Haven’t got any problems.”

When asked about missing the lure of lucrative Kent derbies, McMahon welcomed the prospect of welcoming relegated sides Heybridge Swifts and Harlow Town - as well as promoted sides Lowestoft Town and Romford - to Bayliss Avenue next season.

“That doesn’t bother me!” he replied. “We got promoted to stay away from teams we know to go somewhere new. We’re going to four new clubs next year, so as a football club if you’re worried about money through the gate, and things like that, we’ll bring them on.

“I’m happy where we are - I’m just happy to play Ryman League football.”

And having struggled in their inaugural campaign at this level, McMahon is ready to strengthen his squad to have a go at promotion next year.

“I’ve signed a good percentage of my squad for next year and I’m meeting six or seven new players already and hopefully we’re going to strengthen,” he said.

“We’re going to give it a go next year.”

Former Croydon and Erith Town manager Mark Tompkins has taken up the challenging job that is the manager of reprieved Surrey minnows Chipstead.

The Surrey side finished their campaign second from bottom in Ryman League Division One South last season under Nicky English, and although basement boys Crowborough Athletic were relegated back to the Sussex County League, the Chips have beaten the drop.

Tompkins was made aware of the situation by the club’s board, and Tompkins explained to www.kentishfootball.co.uk why he surprised so many by going for the job.

“Mainly because I’ve played in the Ryman all my career and I want to get back to Ryman football,” came his reply.

“I want to stay in the Ryman so that was a right result they’ve stayed in the Ryman as well - it’s a good set-up and I’m looking forward to it.”

Tompkins is expected to delve into his extensive list of contacts to improve the squad at the High Road club.

“I’ll work with what they’ve got and also add to it,” he said. “I can’t reveal no names yet because it’s all pre-season, but nearer the season I will reveal the names I’ve tried to sign. Unless they put pen to paper they’re not your players.”