Gary Stevens: My plans for Tunbridge Wells

The famous incoming new owner of Kent League club Tunbridge Wells, Gary Stevens may cancel his annual family holiday to Spain this summer as he goes about trying to change the fortunes of his home-town club, writes Stephen McCartney.

The former England, Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion star, takes over the Culverden Stadium club as soon as the legal paperwork goes through.

And in his column in the Kent and Sussex Courier Newspaper, which has been reproduced on the club’s website at www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk, Stevens’ is already making plans for the new season, which gets underway on Saturday, 11^th August.

Stevens, who replaces Mr Norman Sales as chairman, was watching the Kent League Cup Final between Thamesmead Town and Whitstable Town at Folkestone Invicta yesterday, with manager Martin Farnie.

Farnie endured a troublesome campaign as his side finished above Slade Green and Sporting Bengal United in the table, and appears that their bond will not be broken as the pair aim to improve matters next season.

“The summer months might not provide too many games to watch at your local club but there will be frantic action behind the scenes,” Stevens wrote in his article.

“The work starts here. The final legal matters surrounding my acquisition of Tunbridge Wells Football Club are being concluded and then I can get started.

“A certain amount of preparation has already taken place but nothing particularly visible so people are wondering what’s going on.

“I’ve already spoken to most of those currently involved at the club and they’re all keen to continue their association and hard work.

“The manager, Martin Farnie, knows the squad of players he would like for next season, with pre-season training and match dates already pencilled in.”

Tunbridge Wells’ reserve side end their miserable campaign - bottom of the Kent League Second Division -  when they welcome Hythe Town to Culverden Stadium on Bank Holiday Monday.

“The reserve and youth teams are still fulfilling fixtures, but once they’re concluded then a similar exercise will take place,” said Stevens.

“The under eighteen’s are off to play in the World Youth Tournament in Sweden this summer, what an opportunity, thanks in no small part to generous sponsorship from TWHI Trade.

“Sponsorship and support from local business will play an important part in the success of the club going forward and an information pack is being produced itemising various opportunities for those wishing to have an association with the club.”

The club will also have an under 14 and under 15 teams playing in the Kent Youth League next season with initial trials this month next Thursday, 10^th May.

And he outlined his plans as he aims to improve facilities at Culverden Stadium and entice local people to watch the team in action.

“A clubhouse is the life blood of any semi-professional team,” he said. “Once the appropriate permissions have been received then a certain amount of improvement is planned both inside and out.

“Regular functions and activities will be staged to draw people down to a fabulous location that will boast enhanced facilities.

“The turnstiles and entrance to the ground from the car park needs some revision and will be done before the first home friendly.

“The pitch at Culverden Stadium has been a real problem over the years and some remedial work is required but it won’t be until this time next year that a new surface will be a serious consideration.

“Similar applies to the changing rooms as much as we need the improvements now.

“Eventually a smarter appearance from Culverden Down and an upgrade of the current driveway and car park will take place but that’s a touch further down the line.

“A real priority is a training facility for when the evenings draw in and the weather deteriorates but there are few options in the area.

“How can Martin develop a pattern of play and team understanding if he can’t work with his players between games?

“An office will be established at the ground that we can actively work from and administer the club.

“There is little awareness of the club in and around Tunbridge Wells so a campaign to marker and increase the club’s profile will be rolled out slowly.

“I doubt if 1% of the population of Tunbridge Wells has ever been to the Culverden Stadium to watch a match or attend a function. You have to ask why?

“We’ll be working more closely with local schools, youth teams and other organisations for mutual benefit.

“There are few choices for better players to play above the Crowborough and District or Tandridge Youth Leagues so the club will be offering that with access into the Kent Youth League via our senior status.

"My traditional summer holiday in Spain might be cancelled this year.”

Visit Tunbridge Wells’ website: www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk

Visit the Kent and Sussex Newspaper website: www.thisiscourier.co.uk