Whitstable chairman applauds team effort

The Belmont club are currently unbeaten after their 14 Kent League games and are second in the table, level on 38 points with Thamesmead Town, but with three games in hand.

The Oysterboys have lost just two games this season. They put on a brave display as their FA Cup run was ended in the second qualifying round by Ryman Premier League neighbours Margate and fell to Oakwood at the same stage in the FA Vase.

They go into the New Year with high hopes that they will be playing Ryman League Division One South football in August.

“When Marc (Seager) and myself sat down in the summer and discussed where we might be at the end of the year we both said we would be disappointed if we were not in the top six of the Kent League, not too far off the pace and pushing towards the top of the table,” Mr Rouse told www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk.  

“But to be second in the league, only missing top spot on goal difference and still have three games in hand over the current leaders Thamesmead was beyond my wildest dreams.

“To cap it all to remain unbeaten in the Kent League from the first day of the season into the New Year, only losing to Margate in the FA Cup and Oakwood in the FA Vase, well I am just speechless.”

Mr Rouse, however, praised the fantastic support the club receives from the terraces

He said: “I must start by thanking all the supporters for the way they have backed the team from the very first kick of the season, not just the official Supporters Club; ‘The Oysters’ but everyone young and old who supports the team week in, week out.

“Marc often comments that they are our twelfth man and Marc and all the players are grateful for the support you have given him and his players. To them all I would like to say a big thank you.”

And he thanked the people behind the scenes for their assistance to make them a wel run outfit.

“I would also like to publicly thank Joe Brownett for his unflinching support not only all the work he does around the club but also the guidance he has personally given me these last two years,” said Mr Rouse.

“If we do realise our dream and end the season with promotion then it’s Joe who should take the plaudits for all his hard work at Whitstable over approaching nearly two decades of supporting Whitstable Town.

“Whilst I do not intent to single out individuals I must also mention Bruce Smith who although many years past retirement age still works his socks off for the club, like wise my secretary Alan Gower without whom my job as chairman would be far from easy. To you all and the rest of the club committee, a collective thank you.

“The management team of Marc, Simon, Mark and Graham, whilst I am always nervous of how my words in support of Marc and his team are interpreted, the results so far speak for themselves and we can look forward to the remainder of the season committed to work hard both on and off the pitch and who knows where we will end up come the last game of the season.

“I can say without fear of contradiction there were three massive signings for Whitstable over the last few years. Two of them involved Marc, firstly as a player, which sent a message to the rest of the Kent League that Whitstable were a club who were on the up, then secondly after the sudden departure of previous manager Matt Toms when the committee were bold enough to ask Marc to take the top job. The third signing; which in my view moved us forward to another level was Steve Marshall’s arrival at Whitstable.

“Many at the time said that Steve signed for the club for the wrong motives; he has proved to everyone year after year that he is a fantastic team player and very happy at the club and is still one of the best strikers in the league.

“Thanks to all the young local players who have come on so well under Marc’s guidance. Andy Constable, Marcos Perona and Sam Prett who have spurned many offers to play elsewhere and the entire squad of quality players we have at the club.

“All the managers, their assistants and players for the reserves, the U18’s and U16’s who we hope will one day playing with Town at a higher level.

“Lastly I would like to thank out sponsors, Brockmans Travel (Herne Bay branch) who have been superb since they became involved with the club, long time supporters D&J Tyres who have supported the club for many, many years and all the local business large and small who have supported Whitstable Town throughout 2006.”