Chatham chairman urges Gills' fans to "bring a friend" for Trophy tie - EXCLUSIVE

Kent non-league football clubs face the risk of losing out on much-needed revenue if fans decide to swap October terraces for the comfort of their own homes or the pub, writes Stephen McCartney.

Whilst some of our Ryman League and all of our Kent League clubs struggle to make ends meet, England’s highly-paid stars take to the Old Trafford pitch at 5pm for their Euro 2008 Qualifying clash against Macedonia.

Saturday sees FA Vase first round ties take place, as well as the preliminary round of the FA Trophy.

But Mr Jeff Talbot, chairman of Ryman League Division One South club Chatham Town, urges fans to watch their Trophy clash with AFC Sudbury before drifting into their clubhouse to watch the national team.

“My priorities are Chatham Town FC, which I will watch then watch the England game,” he said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk today.

“It would be great if there were clear breaks between fixtures and England games but we have to be realistic. Some you win. Some you don’t.

Mr Talbot, whose club average 372, the third highest supported club in the Ryman League Division One South, urges fans to watch both games - at Maidstone Road.

“These are games many will want to see,” he said. “Chatham have ended a run of defeats and host a side with a fantastic cup tradition - what a mix!

“This followed by England on TV in the bar afterwards, who could want anymore?”

The club will bank £1,000 in prize money from the Football Association if they knock out AFC Sudbury, a side that reached three successive FA Vase finals from 2003, losing them all.

When asked if FA prize money should be increased, Mr Talbot replied: “The simple answer is yes, but add some realism. The more you win the more the amount becomes less important and strangely if you lose the amount also becomes less important.

“It’s important to have good cup runs because clubs have the opportunity to make fantastic step changes to their operations.”

And with their League One neighbours Gillingham travelling to Crewe Alexandra, Chatham Town offers an excellent alternative for fans not willing to make the long trip.

Mr Talbot said: “We have a number of Gillingham fans who support us when the Gills are away. Keep coming, bring a friend and really enjoy some grass roots football close to home at the Maidstone Road ground.”

Mr Talbot would like Saturday’s game to attract a crowd of 400.

Meanwhile, the Chats are arranging a testimonial match for Gary Tiley. The midfielder was forced to retire from the game after suffering a third broken leg and former players will be returning to Maidstone Road to raise funds.

Visit Chatham Town's website:

www.chathamtownfc.net