Local businessmen come in to help Whitstable Town

Sunday 14th September 2008

Following discussions amongst local business people the decision has been taken for a team of business people to take the central role in maintaining and developing the finance of struggling Ryman League Division One South club Whitstable Town.

Well known local business men and professionals Chris Albion, Danny Clarke, Martin Fisher, Kim Foster, Neil Harrington, Peter Jackson, Andy Page, Stephen Parry, Peter Still, Paul Shirlaw and Don Wilkinson have confirmed that their group will do what is required to provide a budget of an already identified amount that will enable Whitstable Town to compete effectively in the Ryman League.

At the meeting confirming the Consortium’s role local estate agent Neil Harrington was named as Chair and Tankerton Accountant Andy Page became the Secretary.

In a statement published on www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk, a day after the club were dumped out of the FA Cup at the first qualifying round stage by their Ryman League Division One South rivals Merstham, Neil Harrington said: “We all have two things in common, our town and the town’s football club.

"We are not talking here about each of us writing large cheques though we obviously will assist. Our task is two fold. First we will provide guidance and expertise on improving the current sources of income existing at this well run club.

“Second, we will look to give everyone in Whitstable the opportunity to become involved with events, functions, activities and fun connected with and in support of our town club.”

The group has had discussions with officers of the Belmont Road club and manager Marc Seager who have expressed their delight at this commitment.

Andy Page added: “There are many highly influential business people in this area that we have not yet had a chance to contact.

“We know that many who share our thought of this town and the football club will be delighted to join in our commitment.

“We welcome any business or individual that wants to help in developing the club.“

Whitstable Town chairman Tony Rouse paid tribute to Wes McLachlan who has brought all the parties together to form this unique partnership with local businessmen and Whitstable’s premier football club.

He said: “Wes has been the driving force behind this latest development at Town, he identified the need to bring a fresh business outlook to the club; Andy, Neil and all the others involved have already come up with some great business opportunities that we have taken on board.

“These are exciting time at Whitstable Town Football Club and I look upon this latest development as another massive step in the clubs future, local business involved with local football is how it should be.”

Article courtesy of www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk