Kentish Football 
Whitstable Town begin search for new manager after parting company with Mark Lane
Wednesday 15th December 2010
WHITSTABLE TOWN are searching for a new manager after deciding to release long-serving Mark Lane from the position, writes Stephen McCartney.
The Oystermen held play-off chasing Bognor Regis Town to a 1-1 draw at Belmont Road last night - but this didn’t save Lane from losing his job - although club chairman Joe Brownett hopes the long-serving stalwart will stay at the club.
Whitstable officials are proud to say that the club are debt free, but they are perennial pre-Christmas strugglers.
They appointed long-serving goalkeeper coach Lane following the decision to part company with previous manager Mark Munday with only ten games of last season remaining, and a string of fine results under Lane’s guidance maintained the club’s Ryman League Division One South status and Lane was given the job permanently.
But this season the club has struggled again and are second-from-bottom in the division, with only two wins and six draws from 19 league games and are three points adrift of safety.
Club chairman Joe Brownett issued the following statement on the club’s website, www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk: “Regretfully we have come to the decision to part company with Mark and both the club and committee and I personally would like to go on record to thank Mark for the tremendous work he has done for the club over the many years he has been with us.
“He joined us as the goalkeeping coach and it is no small way thanks to his efforts the club has enjoyed the success achieved over these last few years.
“Last year we managed to stay in the Ryman League thanks to Mark’s hard work, this despite having a great pre-season which saw us beat Folkestone and Margate amongst others Mark has struggled this year with results.
“As a committee we feel we have given Mark the backing to enable him to get on with the job as manager, he on the other hand has been a joy to work with and it is a fervent wish that this does not mean the end of Mark’s relationship with Whitstable Town.
“We wish him well in the future and although Mark is stepping down as manager; we do hope that Mark will remain involved with the club in the future.”
Applicants (in the strictest confidence) are to submit their CV to Gary Johnson, the club’s vice-chairman and acting secretary, by email gt_Johnson@lineone.net or by calling 07957 424 810.
Mr Johnson added: “In addition to ensuring the success of the first team, the successful candidate will oversee the club’s reserve and youth policy for player progression.”
Visit Whitstable Town’s website: www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk
Whitstable Town v Worthing
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 18th December 2010
Kick Off 3:00pm
At The Belmont, Belmont Road, Whitstable, Kent CT5 1QP
Red Dragon I.T. Ltd