Soccer Shorts: Chatham goalkeeper Whitehouse puts pen to paper - EXCLUSIVE

Tonight www.kentishfootball.co.uk brings you news from Ryman League Division One South clubs Chatham Town, Ashford Town, Dartford and Whitstable Town.

Chatham Town manager Phil Miles has received a big boost ahead of their second Ryman League Division One South campaign, writes Stephen McCartney.

Highly-rated former Greenwich Borough, Ashford Town, Dartford and Tunbridge Wells goalkeeper John Whitehouse, 29, has signed a one-year contract to stay at the Maidstone Road club.

But Northfleet resident Miles has to remain patient regarding his two other transfer targets that he was expecting to unveil tonight.

“The two I have been talking to need a few more days to think about it,” he said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

He added: “I really thought I would get their answer today, but I have to wait until after the weekend now.”

And on the subject of goalkeeper’s, Ashford Town’s Jake Whincup has received professional coaching from former Fulham stopper Jim Stannard to improve his performances.

The much-travelled Whincup, 21, has also re-signed for the Ryman League Division One South club.

And director Don Crosbie revealed on his forum notes that he has big plans for The Homelands club.

He told www.ashfordtownfc.co.uk :“As a supporter as well as an owner of the club, I can assure everyone that every member and position of the team is being analysed.

“We have three more exciting signings we hope to announce in the next few days.

“With regards to a goalkeeper, we have re-signed Jake who is now, and has been for several weeks, being professionally coached by the famous Jim Stannard, who informs me Jake is coming on tremendously.

“It was all about confidence and understanding the job. That said, we have signed a good goalkeeper in case of problems in that area next season.”

Mr Crosbie revealed that Ian Wright will make another visit to the Ryman League Division One South club to introduce himself to supporters.

“The pitch is coming on great,” he said. “Work on the stand both internally and externally is coming on fine (and) I hope all appreciate my efforts next season.

“I am organising a fans forum evening at the club in a few weeks time and would like to hear comments regarding this proposal.

“Our director of football strategy Ian Wright wants to come along and hear real passionate views regarding the ongoing future of what will become the famous Ashford Town.”

Dartford’s co-chairman Dave Skinner revealed that “well over 2,000” tickets have already been sold for their money-spinning pre-season friendly against Crystal Palace.

The showpiece match, which takes place at Princes Park on Friday, 20^th July (7pm), is an ALL TICKET affair.

Whitstable Town, the club that clinched the Kent League double last season, have announced their season ticket prices for their first ever Ryman League Division One South campaign.

“The club decided, and I think quite rightly that we would reward our supporters by keeping the admission prices as realistic as possible as a way of thanking them for their loyalty,” Tony Rouse, the club’s chairman, told www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk.

“Obviously there are greater costs involved in playing in a higher league and we had to increase ticket prices but I think we have hit the right balance with the match day and season ticket prices to watch Ryman League football at the Belmont.”

Mr Rouse is aiming for crowds of over 300 next season.

He said: “Last season our average gate was just under 200 per league game, topping the attendances for the Kent League.

“We are hoping to build on those numbers and would be delighted if we could add another fifty or more regular supporters now that we are playing football in the Ryman League.”

He added: “It’s exciting times at Whitstable Town - so spread the word!”

Match day tickets: £7 (adults) £4 (OAP’s and concessions) £1 (under 14s accompanied by adult).

Season Tickets for 21 matches in the Ryman League: £120 (adult), £60 (OAP’s and concessions).

Family Season Tickets: £230 Two adults (same family) plus two children:

The children entrance is free with season ticket prices.