Carl Laraman: I now believe it’s the right time for myself to step away from Chatham Town and I will be resigning with immediate effect

Tuesday 12th April 2022

CHATHAM TOWN director of football  Carl Laraman has announced his departure from the Isthmian League bound club.

Kevin Hake and Laraman have guided the club out of the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division and with three games to go the 60-year-old former Arsenal coach has announced his departure from Maidstone Road.

Sheppey United lead the table with 93 points, while Chatham Town are two points behind and both club’s will be playing in the Isthmian League next season after claiming promotion.

Chatham Town humilated Erith & Belvedere 10-1 at the weekend, a result that ensured the Deres parted company with joint-managers Danny Murphy and Marlon Patterson and placed Luke Rooney in interim charge for their last three games of the season.

“Firstly, I want to say congratulations to everyone involved at the club, from players, staff, committee and volunteers, for the promotion we’ve all achieved. What a journey,” said Laraman in a statement.

“I now believe it’s the right time for myself to step away from the club and I will be resigning with immediate effect.

“I’m proud the objective of promotion has been achieved and I have every faith that Chatham Town will continue to thrive and move forwards.

“I am delighted to have played a part in what has been an incredible year for the club. 

“We now have a thriving youth structure, a playing philosophy to be proud of and a winning first-team. 

“The support I’ve had from fans, players and staff has been terrific and I can’t thank you all enough for that.

“To me, football is so much more than just a game.  Football has been my life and I am looking forward to the future and what my next challenge in the game will be.

“Chatham Town is in safe hands and I can move on with confidence that the club will continue to have every success.  I wish Chatham Town all the best and will enjoy watching their next steps from afar.”

Chatham Town complete their campaign with a trip to relegation-threatened side Rusthall on Saturday, before hosting fourth-placed Deal Town on Easter Monday, before a trip to Erith Town on the final day of the season.