Joe Brownett steps down as Whitstable Town chairman

Friday 13th April 2012

JOE BROWNETT is stepping down as chairman after 23 years’ at Whitstable Town.

Mr Brownett, who is known throughout Kent football circles as “Mr Whitstable,” has been a great supporter of local football over the years.

He was instrumental in setting up the Kent Youth League and through his family firm D&J Tyres, has supported the club from the Kent League and into the Ryman League.

A club statement, which was published on the club’s website www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk, paid tribute to Mr Brownett and his wife Josie.

“With his wife Josie always by his side they have been ever present at the club, Josie running the match day hospitality with Connie Smith whilst Joe had done every job imaginable from cleaning out the committee room, painting the stands and just about everything that does not move at the Belmont Ground.

“Together with Bruce Smith he has maintained the pitch almost every week throughout the year; which is always in tip-top condition.

“Joe has no intention walking away from the Belmont and he will still continue to be involved and offer help and guidance to whomever takes over as the new chairman at the up-coming AGM.”

Manager Justin Luchford added: “I have to thank Joe personally for the opportunity to manage such a wonderful family club. The work he has carried out over the years has been amazing.

“I have spoken to Marc Seager (who guided the club to their first ever Kent League title in 2007) several times since my appointment and he has always spoken highly of Joe and what he has done over the years.

“It is a shame for me that he has decided this now, as we have struck up such a good relationship since I have been here. I have the upmost respect for Joe and I know he hasn’t taken this decision lightly.

“Joe will always be a major part of this football club, and I can only hope I can give him some success to enjoy over the next few years to pay back just some of the time and effort he has put into the club.

“All the best Joe for now and the future and I hope our friendship and working relationship continues to strengthen as time goes by!”

Press Officer, Tony Rouse added: “It seems like only yesterday that I stood at the Gas Works End as a supporter cheering on the team when Joe came up and spoke to me about joining him at the club. Well over fifteen years later I am still at the Belmont cheering on the lads and would like to thank Joe for all the support and guidance he has given me since I joined the committee.

“I was lucky enough to have a spell as chairman (I only took on the role on the condition that Joe stayed involved as well) during that couple of years we won promotion to the Ryman League South and it was down to the wonderful support from Joe and Josie that we are now an established Ryman League club. It’s been a hell of a ride Joe; I would not have missed it for the world, thank you.”

Whitstable Town, who lie in seventeenth place in the Ryman League Division One South table, with 37 points from 37 games, travel to local rivals Faversham Town tomorrow without the injured Stuart Vahid.

Luchford admitted the loss of his leading goalscorer is a blow, ahead of the Kent derby.

The former Faversham Town boss said: “I am afraid to say that Stuart is currently in plaster after dislocating his knee on Monday. The knee itself actually clicked back into place as he left the field, however, doctors have put it in plaster as a precaution and will take a further look and so I will keep you posted.

“I would suggest that would be the end of Stuart’s season. I am not going to rush him back for no reason with three games to go and I have said to him to take the time to get himself right for pre-season as that should be his focus now.

“He is a big part of my plans going forward and he knows that. Please join me in wishing him well on his recovery and a huge thank you goes out to him for his part in this season. He has been troubled by a number of injuries, but has ran through brick walls for me, and scored plenty of goals. I am sure he would like to play again this season, but its important now we look after him and get him right for next”

Reflecting on the disappointing goal-less draw against Ramsgate on Easter Monday, which turned out to be Jim Ward’s final game in charge of the Rams, Luchford said: “Everyone keeps telling me how it was a dour game and a bore draw. I’m sorry but I don’t agree!

“I thought considering the conditions and also the fact that both sides had played two games in three days this wasn’t a bad contest at all.

“We looked excellent at the back as I don’t remember them having a shot on target that Kingy (Dave King) had to deal with, and everyone did the jobs they were asked to do.

‘I just think we made some bad decisions when we got into their last third and with better decision making I think we would have created more chances. I thought we looked more likely to break the deadlock if there was to be a winner, but I don’t think many would argue about the draw.”

Meanwhile, Luchford’s side could have a major say in which club suffers the sole drop out of the Ryman League, as basement side Burgess Hill Town visit Belmont Road on 21 April, before Whitstable travel to second-from-bottom Whyteleafe on the final day of the season.

Both sides have 24 points, six points adrift of Sittingbourne, who will be safe with at least a point from their three remaining games.

Luchford added: “Three games to go now and nine points at stake. One game at a time, but we need to finish strong and that that into next season.”

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

Faversham Town v Whitstable Town
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 14^th April 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Salters Lane, Faversham, Kent ME13 8ND