Whitstable count the cost of theft

Tuesday 10th November 2009

WHITSTABLE TOWN, the worst side in the Ryman League Division One South, go into tonight’s daunting Championship Manager Cup tie at Tonbridge Angels without an expensive set of footballs as they were stolen from the club last week, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Oystermen travel to Longmead Stadium for the second round clash, having scored just one goal on their travels in the league and are at the foot of the table and staring relegation in the face, especially if things don’t pick up soon.

However, the recent theft of ten match day footballs from the Belmont Road club, has added more anxiety for club officials.

“We have been asked by the Police to issue an appeal regarding information regarding the theft from the dressing rooms of ten match day footballs,” former chairman Tony Rouse said in a statement, published on the club's website www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk.

“These are not on sale to the public and are solely for use at Ryman League games and are easily identified by the brand name CHRYSO and the sponsors name RYMAN.

“The club is issuing and appeal through the media for information regarding these stolen Footballs.

Kit man, Bruce Smith added: “The footballs were taken from the dressing rooms sometime after the game a week ago, they are very distinctive as the are not on sale to the public have the RYMAN logo and the brand name Chryso clearly printed on them.

“We will always prosecute for anyone who gains unlawful entry to the ground or causes damage or theft at the club and I would ask and parents who see these footballs to return them to the club.

“They are not cheap and we are required by the Ryman League to use their footballs for all league games.

“We do a lot of work with the youngsters in the town and I would ask if anyone knows where they are, get in touch with some-one at the club or phone the Police.”

www.kentishfootball.co.uk will be covering this game.

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

Visit Tonbridge Angels' websites: www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk & www.tonbridgeafc.co.uk/forum

Tonbridge Angels v Whitstable Town
Championship Manager Cup Second Round
Tuesday 10th November 2009
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN10 3JF