Despite this being a very difficult time in the clubs history given where we are within the league we aim to create a new era for the club going forward, says newly-appointed Whitstable Town chairman Adam Lopez Lightowler

NEWLY-APPOINTED Whitstable Town chairman Adam Lopez Lightowler says he hasn’t given up on the club’s chances of avoiding relegation from the Ryman League.

Mr Lightowler has replaced Gary Johnson in the Belmont Road hot-seat after Mr Johnson stood down from the role earlier in the month.

The Oystermen are rooted to the foot of the Ryman League Division One South table having won four and drawn two of their 35 games.

Manager Ian Cox has 11 games to pull off The Great Escape, knowing that the club are 19 points adrift of safety, not taking goal-difference into account.

Mr Lightowler was appointed chairman at a board meeting on Friday and issued a statement on www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk this morning.

He said: “It is a great honour to confirm my appointment as chairman of Whitstable Town FC.

“Despite this being a very difficult time in the clubs history given where we are within the league we aim to create a new era for the club going forward.

“Together with the incredibly loyal supporters, followers and dedicated committee members of Whitstable Town Football Club our objective is to implement a new football development structure from the grass roots up to ensure the long term sustainability of the club and make Whitstable Town FC a key hub of the community.

“With 11 games left of the season we ask all of our Oystermen and Oysterwomen to come and continue supporting us in our battle to stay in the Ryman League starting this Saturday 27^th February at home against Faversham Town.”

Last season, under Tommy Warrilow, Cray Wanderers won a club record ten games on the spin to avoid relegation from the Ryman League Division One North.

Whitstable Town, though, have lost their last five games and look certain to lose their Ryman League status after nine seasons if Cox cannot turn around the club’s fortunes on the pitch.

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