We're on course to beat the drop, insists Whitstable chairman - EXCLUSIVE

WHITSTABLE TOWN chairman Tony Rouse believes eleven more points from their last 12 games will maintain the club’s Ryman League status, writes Stephen McCartney.

Marc Seager’s side have been flirting with relegation in recent weeks but three home wins from their last five games has clawed the club towards safety.

Now fourth from bottom in the division one south table, Whitstable Town are now nine points clear off the drop zone and are almost certain to avoid a return to the Kent League after just one season.

Those home wins have come over two relegation threatened clubs in Corinthian-Casuals (4-2) and Horsham YMCA (2-0) helped - but the result over Worthing (3-1) on Saturday has definitely eased the pressure for the time being.

“Marc always said our home form was the key to our Ryman League survival and three good victories recently has made the difference,” Mr Rouse said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“I might say Marc has worked extremely hard to get new signings, the two strikers Ian Pulman and Dave Cory and the recovery of Clint Gooding, all three of them having experience of this level.

“Marc reminded me that Clint has played 300 games at Ryman level and like the signing of Jimmy Strouts last year, he’s added that bit of stability that we lacked in midfield.

“There’s nothing fancy, he plays football, breaks up play, gives the ball with a simple pass - for me he plays football the way it should be played.”

Mr Rouse added: “Marc set us a safety net of 40 points, which he feels will secure Ryman football next season but we won’t rest easy until it’s mathematically impossible to get relegated.”

Following their trip to Burgess Hill Town on Tuesday night, lock horns against the likes of Dulwich Hamlet, Cray Wanderers and Kingstonian.

And the chairman said: “We’re enjoying this league immensely. It’s a fantastically well run league with some well established football sides that have been around a long, long time.

“We’ve got Burgess Hill, Dulwich and then our first game in March is Cray - all games that are going to be tough to be honest.

“I’ve had a chat with Marc this morning and he re-infirmed that we’re still on course of our long-term plan of consolidation this year, midtable or play-off’s next year and push on from there."

The relationship between chairman and manager is, however, second to none, as Mr Rouse explains.

“At times it’s an absolutely joy (being chairman), at times it’s an absolutely nightmare trying to keep all elements of the club happy, supporters; committee; everyone involved with the football club.

“Fortunately as far as the players are concerned, that’s Marc’s business and I do not get involved in any shape or form.

“I believe the only way you could possibly have any working relationship with a manager is to let the manager manage.

“I have no say in his team selection, signing of players, who he plays, or has on the bench. It’s all down to the manager and that’s truly how it should be.

“By doing it that way and having an honest relationship with each other, Marc knows full well if he slips up it won’t be a case of falling on his sword, we’ll have an adult conversation and things would take their natural course.

“But if the unforgivable would happen and if we’d get relegated this season I would hope to have Marc Seager as manager of Whitstable Town next season.

“He’s got a good football brain, he’s learning, he’s not the finished article by any means.

“But I’m learning in the job I’m doing.”

Whitstable Town’s next home game is the visit of in-form side Cray Wanderers on the first day of March - and the chairman would like fans to assist increase attendances at Belmont Road.

He said: “We’re slightly disappointed but I would only say slightly because our target figures were 250.

“We’re getting about 200 but I fully realise that a lot of people only want to follow a successful side.”

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

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be making our first ever trip to Leylands Park on Tuesday.

Burgess Hill Town v Whitstable Town
Ryman League Division One South
Tuesday 19^th February 2008
Kick Off 7:30pm
At Leylands Park, Maple Drive, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 8DL