The board have mulled over the various permutations that could have seen us move, says Jeff Talbot

CHATHAM TOWN chairman Jeff Talbot admits defeat in the fight to appeal against The Football Association’s decision to keep the club in Ryman League Division One North next season.



The Medway side are joined the division by two promoted Kent League sides in the shape of Erith & Belvedere and VCD Athletic.  Sittingbourne were due to be a fourth Kent side in the division but they remain in the South after Thurrock were relegated after being deduced three points for fielding an illegible player.

The Chatham Town chairman discussed the club’s position at a recent board meeting and said: “This disappointing news was not as we had hoped, based on expectations from both the Ryman League and the FA, that the new expanded divisions would have seen us move to the Southern Division.”

The Ryman League’s three divisions are to have 24-teams in each next season and Mr Talbot expected the club to return to the South division, which last season had eight Kent clubs.

Mr Talbot continued in his statement the options that had been left open to the club for next season.

He said: “Fortune and circumstance around promotion, relegation and moves between Leagues have not favoured Chatham Town’s case to move South.

“The board have mulled over the various permutations that could have seen us move.  The board still cannot second guess how all the pieces of the bigger picture were put together leaving this outcome.

“I guess we will get to hear more over the next few weeks, especially at the Ryman League AGM where the League clubs have the opportunity to ratify the constitution.”

There will sadly be changes to the way the club is run with a reduction in the number of teams that the club run.

The chairman said: “Like many other clubs we have looked to further reduce overheads, and like other clubs with agile managers and strong youth teams we have reluctantly decided not to field a reserve side next season.

“That said we are a progressive club and need to move forward despite the resource issues playing in the North imposes on us.

“The board and managers of the first team and reserves have jointly given some considerable thought to how we can make a difference going forward to relieve some of the pressure and hopefully push on with a stronger on-field presence next season.

“However, we have six major positives for next season. Our main two sponsors are fully behind us giving us the financial stability critical in today’s climate.

“Our new builds at the stadium are beginning to draw in new revenues and our football academy is looking really positive for next season.

“We are continuing to develop the playing surface, which is becoming a real grass attraction to visiting clubs and other users alike.”

Mr Talbot added: “The news could have been better but looking forward we will make the best of our situation as we move into our 131^st year.

“We hope those that travelled North with us last season will continue to do so and hope so see more locals give us further support at home games.”

Meanwhile, Chatham Town kick-off their pre-season campaign with a visit from League Two champions Gillingham on Saturday 6 July (1pm). 

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