We are no longer pushovers, insists Whitstable chairman - EXCLUSIVE INTERIVEW

“To still be in both the FA Cup and the Vase and win our first three league games and only concede one goal in the process has given the club a real lift,” Mr Rouse said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“I am thrilled with all the work we have done in the last 18 months at the club and the help we have received from the committee and the official supporters club and others who gave their time so freely.”

Mr Rouse, meanwhile, hopes higher league side Croydon Athletic slip on the FA Cup banana skin next week.

“The pitch and the facilities at The Belmont Ground are amongst the best in the Kent League,” he said.

“Whilst we continue to be a good host and look after our visitors on the day, the team under Marc Seager is now no pushover.

“In the past we had the tag “lovely club, nice people but not a fortress to visit.”

“But with Marc and his staff bringing a new professionalism to the club, we play good passing football and are firm but fair.

“We are no longer a pushover for some of the more robust teams who visit The Belmont.

“We have quality players at the club, a good youth set up that has produced at least half of the current first team squad, and we believe we have the right manager in Marc, together with his staff, to move the club forward.”

The cup draws haven’t been kind for Whitstable Town but they’ve already banked £1,500 in prize money from their two FA Cup ties.

Guildford City and Bedfont have both been beaten by scoring just one goal on their travels and the club can bank £500 in FA Vase prize money by winning at Shoreham tomorrow.

“The cup runs are vital to any club at our level, not only for the extra funds on offer but the profile of the club is raised with every game,” said Mr Rouse, who took over from long-serving chairman Mr Joe Brownett at the beginning of last season.

“Marc Seager won the FA Vase with Deal Town under Tommy Sampson in 2000.  It’s his dream to be the first player to win it at Wembley as a manager.”

But highly-rated defender Shane Davies has been forced to take time out of the game due to work commitments.

“I know that Shane is well liked by both the players, supporters and everyone connected with the club, which is why I want to let everyone know his situation,” said Seager.

“Shane is a 100% type of player who in the past is honest enough should he be injured to ask to be left out if he is not at his best.

“His absence these last two weeks is solely due to a new job that sees him working away from home all week. The acting skipper has this week asked not to be included in any selections for forthcoming games between now and Christmas.

“But Shane is not leaving Whitstable Town Football Club, but is just taking some time out away from football to concentrate on his heavy work commitments and the opportunity to earn some decent money after spending the last four years on low wages while doing his apprenticeship as a carpenter, which he passed with flying colours a couple of months ago.

“Anyone who knows Shane knows that he always gives total commitment, and because he feels that he can’t give the club, his team mates and himself the commitment that he feels is required for him to keep up the high standards he has set himself throughout his career is the reason behind his decision.

“Although everyone on and off the pitch will miss Shane for the next couple of months, hopefully when he returns to the side, it will be where he left it. Winning!”

Mr Rouse added: “Shane only missed one game in season 2004-05, and during his time at Whitstable he has made the left-wing back position his own.

”At time he was very self-critical, he is sometimes not happy with his own performance, which he wants to be the best each time he plays.

“Since joining in January 2003 he has played nearly 100 games for the club and is one of the first players on the managers team sheet.  He is very good in the air and his well-timed tackles have saved Whitstable on many occasions.”

Seager has revealed he will be without his skipper Marcus Perona (suspended) and Josh Moore (back) for their trip to Shoreham tomorrow.  But Sam Prett and Marlon Button return after recovering from injuries.

Visit Whitstable Town's website: www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk


Shoreham v Whitstable Town
FA Vase First Qualifying Round
Saturday 9^th September 2006
Kick Off 3:00pm
at Middle Road, Shoreham, BN43 6LT