THE BIG KICK OFF: Whitstable depleted for their special day - EXCLUSIVE

Wednesday 15th August 2007

Marc Seager and his Whitstable Town are making history on Saturday - it’s the first time that the club have played in the Ryman League, writes Stephen McCartney.

Seager, during his first full season as a manager, led the Oystermen to a glorious season last term, winning the Kent League title for the very first time in their history, as well as winning the Kent Senior Trophy and reaching the final of the Kent League Cup.

And Seager is relishing their first ever Ryman League Division One South fixture, when Sussex County League champions, Eastbourne Town, visit The Belmont.

“It’s a big game, it’s the club’s first ever game as a Ryman club,” Seager said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“We’ve worked ever so hard to get there, thoroughly deserve to be there, and we prepare for the challenges that lie ahead for us.”

But Rainham resident Seager has a selection headache ahead of their historic clash.

Alex Hossick (groin), Stuart King (knee), Gary Sayer (knee) and Danny Tipple (ankle) are all ruled out through injury, whilst Jake Gess is on holiday and Sam Prett has been ruled out through work commitments.

And former Dartford defender, Gary Carter, has left the club due to his work commitments - leaving Seager with a headache.

He said: “We’re not at full strength but we’ve got to deal with it. There’s no reason why I have to sulk about it. I feel we’ve got a strong squad and the squad will be tested and it’s up to us to come through it.

“There’s a couple of lads who played against Margate last week and done well.

"We’re still very strong, even though we’ve got them players missing. It will be a chance for a couple of reserves to come in and be apart of this special day for this football club.”

Dan Lawrence, a midfielder, full-back, James Duffy and left-sided player, Theo Kennedy, are all expected to be called upon.

But Seager tells his players’, “It will be the same as it was last year, go out there and enjoy the game and have a smile on your face and don’t be scared of losing, be scared of not performing.”

He added: “There’s a great atmosphere. The players are up for it, and they’re all looking forward to it.

“There’s not many players in the changing room that have played at this level, new challenges, new horizons and it gives them something to have a go at.”

Speaking about their first Ryman opponents, Eastbourne Town, Seager said: “I’m sure their manager will be looking at our record from last season and have a look at websites and if he’s done his homework, he will know we’re not a bad side.”

And Seager is relishing the chance of proving himself at the higher level, following his success last term.

He said: “It’s not only a new challenge for the players, it’s a fantastic challenge for me.

“Last year was only my first full season as a manager and to get three pieces of silverware (including the Kent League Shield) has been great, but now I’ve got to keep proving myself.

“Questions will be asked, can I manage at this level? I believe I can, only time will tell.”

Seager calls upon the Oysterboys to fill The Belmont to the rafters on Saturday - and swamp visiting grounds on their travels.

“There’s many grounds for them to take over this year, like they did last year,” he said.

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

Whitstable Town v Eastbourne Town
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 18^th August 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At The Belmont, Belmont Road, Whitstable CT5 1QP

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