Whitstable Town appoint Gary Johnson as their new chairman

WHITSTABLE TOWN have today appointed former referee Gary Johnson as the club’s new chairman after Joe Brownett’s decision to step down after 23 years’ at last night’s annual general meeting.


Mr Johnson, the club’s current vice-chairman and secretary, was born in Kettering, Northamptonshire, before moving to Kent in 1987.

He joined the Ryman League Division One South club a little over two years ago, after previously being a long-serving referee, known to many across Northamptonshire, Kent and the home counties as he refereed at Contributory League level and indeed at Whitstable Town.

Since his retirement from refereeing almost six years’ ago he has coached, mentored and assessed referees before his arrival at Belmont Road.

One of his proudest of many memories within referee circles was his late call to duty as the fourth official for SKY TV’s live coverage between Fulham and Aston Villa in 2006.

Having joined the board of Whitstable Town as vice-chairman, he quickly incorporated the secretary’s role two seasons ago stepping into the breach by the departure of the then secretary as a stop-gap measure, prior to becoming a director of The Isthmian Football League Ltd only last year.

Mr Johnson offered reassurance at the AGM that the foundations laid by his predecessor would be continued, however as with any new appointment, change would be imminent.

On his agenda is:

*  The reformation of the Supporters Association

*  Establishing closer links with the business hub and community of Whitstable and nearby conurbations

*  The rejuvenation of the club’s principle income stream – the clubhouse

*  Ground development

*  Enhancing and developing of youth football within Whitstable Town

Much emphasis was put on collaboration and unity in building closer links throughout the club and the town.

Naturally delighted with his appointment, Mr Johnson continued as to how exciting he believed the club’s future was under the stewardship of football manager Justin Luchford, who is completing a re-structure of the football management.

The club is to continue to field a reserve team within the Kent League, whilst also directly running both an under 18 and under 15 within the Kent Youth League next season.

Outgoing chairman Joe Brownett told www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk: “I have given Gary my full backing. He has been at the club a couple of years now and knows how things work and I know that the club is in safe hands with Gary.

“My wife Josie and I will still be involved with Whitstable Town.  Gary has asked Josie and Connie (Smith) to stay on as match day hostesses and I shall take care of the pitch and help out around the ground.

“Rest assured that although I am not the chairman, I still intend to play a big part in the club’s future working with Gary as chairman, Justin (Luchford) the manager and all my friends both on the committee and all supporters who have given me their backing over many, many years’.”

Tony Rouse, meanwhile, who had a couple of years’ as chairman, added: “I am delighted that Gary is now chairman of Whitstable Town.  It’s a great club with some great people working tirelessly behind the scenes. 

“Like Joe, I know what a challenge it is to run a club at this level, but I truly believe that it’s the right time for a fresh start and that Gary is the right man for the job.”

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