Binks: Reshuffle was my suggestion - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Chatham Town are preparing for life in the Ryman League with a reshuffle at Maidstone Road, writes Stephen McCartney.

Steve Binks has EXCLUSIVELY revealed to www.kentishfootball.co.uk today that due to his current work commitments, he’s been appointed on the board as director of youth development.

Phil Miles, 36, whose had six years with the Medway club as a player, reserve team manager and Binks’ assistant, has been unveiled as the club’s new manager, and he will be assisted by current player, Steve Best.

Binks revealed it was his suggestion to move upstairs.  “This was my suggestion due to current work commitments and something I’ve been thinking about for some time,” he said.

“I also recommended that Phil take over with Steve as his assistant.

“I have every confidence that they can help take the club on from here, and I am very keen to give them all the help that I can.”

Chatham Town are a club that give talented youngsters the chance to shine and it was only yesterday that their rivals, Dover Athletic enticed centre half Matt Bourne, 19, and lightning-fast left winger Byron Walker, 18, to leave the club.

Having clinched the player-of-the-season for the past two seasons at Maidstone Road, Bourne has penned a two-year deal at Crabble, and Walker has signed a one-year contract.

Binks said he was “sorry to see them go, but would like to wish them every success in the future.”

But he is “very excited” with his new position, adding: “I am really looking forward to setting up and developing an even more professional youth academy.

”For some time Chatham Town has given a fantastic grounding to a number of players who have come through our youth ranks and gone on to play at a higher level.

”The long term objective is that we can retain more of these such players to the benefit of Chatham Town.”

George Boyd (Stevenage Borough), Frannie Collin (Gillingham) and Welling United’s Danny Kedwell all started their career at Chatham Town before progressing.

Binks explained what Miles (who shares the same name as former Slade Green joint-manager and newly appointed head coach at Kent League side Greenwich Borough) and Best can offer the club.

”Continuity, maybe some fresh new faces and ideas and undoubtedly fantastic enthusiasm and commitment to the cause of Chatham Town,” he said.

”Phil, Steve and I are talking to a number of new players and there are a number of excellent players coming through the reserves who now have a fantastic opportunity to make this step up.

”To my knowledge, no-one else is leaving and we are planning to look at one or two new faces during pre-season.

”We are looking forward to Gary Tilley returning from injury and getting back to full fitness next season.”

Meanwhile, off the pitch, Janet Cocup joins the board and will head up Hospitality and events.  “Janet brings diversity to the board in time for our 125 year celebrations,” said chairman Jeff Talbot.

Gary Hawker, who recently received the club person of the year award, has been appointed commercial manager and will develop new and existing commercial projects.

Mr Talbot said: “These are really exciting appointments for Chatham Town Football Club, our supporters and the local community.

”We look forward to the changes having a positive effect, both on and off the pitch and demonstrate the club’s continued development within the community.”