Wayne Wilson and Ian Cox unveiled as Whitstable Town joint-managers with the objective of preserving the clubs Ryman League status the main focal point

WHITSTABLE TOWN have appointed joint-managers as they bid to pull off the great escape at the end of the season.

The struggling Ryman League Division One South club announced late last night that Wayne Wilson, 30, and Ian Cox have been given the task to keep the club in the Ryman League.

Whitstable Town host Vanarama National League side Bromley in the Kent Reliance Senior Cup tonight.

The Oystermen are rooted to the foot of the table, having won two, drawn one and lost 20 of their league game and are 12 points adrift of safety.

Chairman Gary Johnson said in a statement: “The club is delighted to announce that Wayne Wilson and Ian Cox have been appointed as joint-managers of Whitstable Town with immediate effect.

“Having received two dozen applications from as far afield as the Potteries and Northern Ireland prior to the closing date of Saturday, the board met quickly having shortlisted three potential candidates each of whom proved very credible and equal with the objective of preserving the clubs Ryman League status the main focal point.”

However, it was Faversham Town club captain (midfield maestro) and former Margate caretaker manager Wilson (whom has played in excess of 350 Ryman League games in addition to playing pro football) alongside Ramsgate head coach Cox, who is no stranger to the non league scene and of course International football having played for Trinidad & Tobago in the 2006 World Cup, who got the nod.

Whitstable Town started the season with rookie Will Graham in charge and the club suffered five defeats and picked up a draw in his six games in charge, while Simon Halsey was in charge for a total number of 21 games, winning four, drawing two and losing 15.

Richard Langley was put in caretaker charge for the club’s two games, losing them both and Wilson and Cox have 23 league games remaining to save the club from relegation into the Southern Counties East Football League.

Mr Johnson said: “The club required an experienced and knowledgeable individual with character, steel and contacts. 

“Well, we have two vastly experienced persons in Wilson and Cox to lead the Oysters away from the foot of the table to security within Step Four of the National Pyramid.

“The three shortlisted candidates each in turn illustrated desire and passion, it really was a close run case in the appointment of Wilson and Cox but the board voted unanimously in this their third managerial appointment of the season.

“Wilson and Cox have already highlighted immediate targets to join the Oystermen and if they pull these signings off then there is no reason why the Town cannot rise at last

“Richard Langley recently stepped into the breach and in very difficult circumstances has held the fort until yesterday’s appointment.

“Indeed it is expected that he will lead the team in tonight’s Kent Senior Cup tie at home to Bromley whilst Wilson and Cox cast their eyes over the youngsters.

“The club are indebted to Richard Langley, a thoroughly professional coach who has once again been a safe pair of hands.

“Wayne Wilson commands respect whilst Ian Cox has the pedigree to match, both staking their reputations in joining the club at such an important time and with exactly half the season to go.”

Meanwhile, Faversham Town manager Ray Turner told www.favershamtownfc.co.uk that he is sorry to lose eight-goal midfielder Wilson.

“After long discussions with myself, Wayne has decided to take the opportunity at Whitstable,” said Turner.

“It is something Wayne has wanted to do for a long time and I know that he is ambitious in terms of making a move in a managerial sense and he felt this was the right time to make that move.

“Wayne leaves the club with our best wishes.”

Whitstable Town host third-from-bottom side East Grinstead Town on Saturday, the Wasps being managed by former Erith & Belvedere boss Matt Longhurst, who last night signed three players, including Brett Milham from Ryman Premier Leaguers Tonbridge Angels and Corinthian’s Jack Mahoney.

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

Whitstable Town  v  Bromley
Kent Reliance Senior Cup Second Round
Tuesday 24^th November 2015
Kick Off 7:45pm
At The Belmont, Belmont Road, Whitstable, Kent CT5 1QP