Tunbridge Wells unveil future plans

Despite being at the foot of the Kent League table with just two points from their first seven league games, progress is being made off the pitch at Tunbridge Wells, writes Stephen McCartney.

However, with their experienced players returning from injuries, manager Martin Farnie insists his side will climb the table.

Farnie’s side, however, have saved their best form for the FA Vase, scoring a total of 15 goals in three home ties, but they face a sterner test at league rivals VCD Athletic in the second round next month.

The west Kent club have breezed past East Grinstead Town (3-2, despite being 2-0 down), and thumped Farnham Town and Pagham by six goals to one.

But a statement issued by the board at the Culverden Stadium club today confirms their long term plans.

It read: “Tunbridge Wells has for many years been run by a committee of hard working volunteers who by their efforts, along with numerous other parties, have maintained a football club playing at Culverden Stadium.

“It has been decided that although results at first team level are vitally important, the structure of the club needs to be amended in order that the club can strengthen and develop further, with the intention that the first team can aspire to climbing the non-league pyramid.”

The initial step has been to reduce the committee to a board of six with each individual having their own specific role.

Each member of the board will develop their own team to assist and work along side them.

Former England World Cup star Gary Stevens, as revealed by www.kentishfootball.co.uk during the close season, is the club's director of football.

Norman Sales maintains his chairmanship of the club, with Judy Farnie (vice chairperson), Barry Whitlock (secretary), Brian Luxford (treasurer) and Phil Dowrick (chief executive) keeping their roles.

The board added: “With change there is invariably a period of uncertainty, adjustment and much behind the scenes activity.

To keep all the club’s fans, followers and interested parties informed, Tunbridge Wells Football Club would like to clarify a number of issues.

The club’s first team shirt sponsor from last season, McGinley, finally agreed in mid September 2006 to remain with the club for this season, with an option for next season.

Their valuable financial contribution will be paid by instalments across the current season with an agreed percentage set aside for the club and facility development with the remainder made available to assist with player expenses.

This has inevitably reduced Farnie’s budget for his first team and as a consequence a number of players have left the club.

The impact of reducing the weekly budget has affected the first team in the early weeks of the current season far more than the club and Farnie had hoped.

This along with a number of senior players being unavailable for selection for various reasons has led to some disappointing results.

However, in the medium term the club will benefit from the current restructuring and the inevitable promotion of youth through the club.

Tunbridge Wells’ association with Foresters FC, arguable the towns most progressive youth football club in recent years, will in term benefit both clubs as young local players start to filter into the newly formed under 18 side playing in the Kent Youth League.

This in turn will provide players for the reserve side and ultimately the first team.

Also Foresters FC will be more able to retain their better players with the incentive of them progressing to play for their home town club.

There is also an under 16 and under 15 team playing as Tunbridge Wells this season, administered by Foresters FC, with the intention that an under 14 and under 13 team will also play as Tunbridge Wells in the 2007-08 season, again administered by Foresters.

A ladies side has been formed, which is playing in the Sussex Ladies League second division, and is currently administered by Foresters as they have girls playing in under 10 and under 14 teams, which will in turn feed into the ladies team.

The board’s statement added: “Some of these points significantly increase the number of Tunbridge Wells Football Club members and associated members, which in turn increase the potential and benefits for Tunbridge Wells FC, Foresters FC, and the players and followers of both clubs alike.

“Several meetings have taken place between Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and representatives of Tunbridge Wells Football Club with a view to improving the facilities at Culverden Stadium in various ways.

“Tunbridge Wells Borough Council would very much like the club to have a higher profile and generate more interest and involvement of the town’s population.

“The Borough Council are keen to assist wherever possible and a positive relationship exists.”

Tunbridge Wells Football Club is keen to initially develop a training area at Culverden Stadium which would be used by the cubs various sides as well as local schools and organisations and also other clubs as a facility they can hire.

A survey of the entire Culverden Stadium side has been commissioned and, as recommended by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, an appropriate consultant has been appointed to determine possible facility improvements before presenting them to the Borough Council.

The proposed new changing rooms are now approved and funding is being sought in various forms including grants to assist completion. This will form part of the overall facility uplift.

Tunbridge Wells FC is currently applying for FA Charter status, which will again be an advantage in the medium long term.

The perimeter of the pitch is now 70% boarded and numerous new advertisers have signed up to have their banner strategically placed at Culverden Stadium.

The pitch itself had several thousand pounds spent on it during the summer and we are hopeful that it will provide a better playing surface for a greater time period this season.

Discussions with a shirt sponsor for the reserves, ladies and under 18 youth sides has now, in principle, been agreed and further revenue streams are being discussed and developed.

The board’s statement added: “Hopefully this provides an insight into the current situation and work carried out and on going.

“We are hopeful that in two to three years time we will look back at 2006 and realising what great progress has been made.

“All support is most valuable and we very much hope our regular supporters continue to be so and a greater following is generated.

“Any additional assistance you can offer would be welcome and your constructive thoughts and ideas will always be considered.”

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