Sam Callander steps down as Herne Bay chairman as he believes he cannot give the club the commitment it deserves

HERNE BAY have announced that Sam Callander has stepped down as chairman of the relegated Isthmian League South East Division club just weeks in the post.

The club appointed Steve Lovell on a two-year contract on 13 May and the Welshman will be assisted by his son Mark as the club look to bounce back from just the one season in the Isthmian League Premier Division.

“I believe, in my short time at the club, I have contributed significantly in trying to rectify the troubles inherited by the club,” said Callander, 32, in a statement.

“The board and I have worked tirelessly to get the club into a more stable position.

“Since the assault on me, I realise that with the injuries sustained, I have a very long period of recovery ahead of me and I believe I could not give the club the commitment it deserves, so it is with a heavy heart, that I am announcing I am stepping down as chairman of Herne Bay Football Club.

“I am extremely pleased that Steve and Mark Lovell have agreed to be our management team, particularly as their appointment was agreed following my meeting with them on my last working day in office.

“Herne Bay is an amazing club with great prospects and a fantastic set of supporters.  The board still has a mountain to climb but already has made great inroads to improving the club’s stability.  However, the work has to go on, to restore the club’s reputation.

“John Bathhurst, as vice-chairman, will carry on where I left off until a new chairman can be appointed.

“In the meantime, the board are continuing working from morning til night to bring the club back to its former stability.

“Rest assured they won’t give up but they, and the club, need your loyal support to help us through these troublesome times.

“For the CIC members, meetings are being scheduled for July, November and March where we will try and update members to the current situation at the club.”

Herne Bay announced Callander as their new chairman on 30 April, but the former footballer stated that he took the helm at Winch’s Field three weeks earlier.

Visit Herne Bay’s website: www.hernebayfootballclub.co.uk