Longhurst waits for offers after leaving Chatham for having "a difference of opinion"

MATT LONGHURST vows to return to coaching or managing in the Ryman League, having left Chatham Town by “mutual consent” this week, writes Stephen McCartney.

Longhurst, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk today, insists he leaves the Maidstone Road club on good terms, having helped manager Steve Binks turn around the team’s fortunes to climb eighteen points clear of the Ryman League Division One North relegation zone with ten games to go.

Longhurst, who has had previously managed and coached youth, reserve and first teams at Welling United, Dartford, Erith Town and Slade Green, cited “a difference of opinion” behind his departure from the Medway outfit.

It does, however, mean he has walked through the exit door of two clubs this season, but he said, “Firstly I would like to thank Chatham Town for the opportunity to work in the Ryman League.

“Due to a difference of opinion on certain things I have left the club my mutual consent.

“The club wanted people to commit for next season and as things were I wasn’t prepared to do that, which is why I and the club decided it was best I leave now, giving both myself and the club the chance to plan for the future.

“I left on good terms as I did at Slade Green, having in my opinion, done a good job.

“When I joined Chatham they were in a relegation battle and had 14 points from 19 games. They now have 36 from 31 and are safe in midtable.

“I feel I have improved results and performances and training as well, as well as bringing players like Lee Barnett, Ben Payne and Dan Westerman to the club.”

Barnett, who followed Longhurst from Bulmers Cider Kent League side Slade Green earlier in the season, has been a revelation, scoring 21 goals this season (11 in Chatham colours) and has scored in Chats’ last seven successive games.

And Longhurst said: “During my time there, I had a great relationship with all the players and I’m sure they’ll be disappointed to see me go, but things change in football all the time and I’m sure our paths will cross again over the next eighteen months.”

Longhurst, however, believes he has the track record to find himself a new role immediately.

He said: “I have taken Slade Green from four points to finish up with 31 points (last season) and then left them this season eighth and in two cup competitions and have helped move Chatham from third-from-bottom to fifteenth, so I think I’ve been successful in terms of points on the board and improving the performance levels at both clubs as well as the playing staff.

“My aim is to get back in the game as soon as possible and I have had two phone calls this morning already with offers that I will take my time to make sure my next move is the right one, but anyone interested in talking to me, I’d happily help a club to either gain promotion or fight relegation with the forward thoughts for next season.

“One thing’s for sure, I won’t want to be walking around Bluewater on a Saturday afternoon for long. I will take my time to make sure t he next move is the right one.

“I want to go back as a manager or if the right offer with the right person comes along, I’d consider a number two role or a coaches role.

“I’d like to stay in the Ryman League. I’ve made the step up but I won’t rule anything out. I have an ambition to manage and coach at the highest level and want somewhere that matches my ambitions.

“Finally, I would like to wish Chatham Town and Steve Binks all the best for the rest of the season.”

Visit Chatham Town’s website: www.chathamtownfc.net