Richard Styles and Dan Morrin both leave Tunbridge Wells to manage their relegated league rivals Whitstable Town

WHITSTABLE TOWN have appointed former Tunbridge Wells manager Richard Styles and his assistant Dan Morrin.

The pair both resigned from the same roles at Culverden Stadium today and were unveiled as the new management team at the relegated Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division club.

“The club received over 30 applications for the position following the departure of Andy Drury to Isthmian League Premier Division club Margate last Monday,” said a Whitstable Town statement.

“A number of interviews were held during the past week and we have spoken to some very good candidates.  We would like to thank all those who applied for their interest.

“The board feels that Richard and his team are the best choice for Whitstable at this time as we strive to gain promotion from the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division, whilst also continuing to develop the promising young players who are progressing through our youth and Academy teams.

“It is an exciting time for the club with work on the new 3G pitch installation and other ground improvements starting this week.”

Whitstable Town finished bottom of the Isthmian League South East Division table last season, having collected 30 points from their 38 games.

Lloyd Blackman, Ben Harding, Keith McMahon and Andy Drury were all in charge of the Oystermen during the 2021-22 season.

Tunbridge Wells finished in eighth-place in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division table and Styles guided the Culverden Stadium outfit to the FA Vase Fifth Round where they lost 3-1 at Hamworthy United on 12 February.

Styles has been a football manager for six seasons, three at Lordswood and three at Tunbridge Wells.

He was in charge of Lordswood for 143 games, winning 56, drawing 27 and losing 60.

Styles was in charge of Tunbridge Wells for 99 games, winning 51, drawing 15 and losing 33.

Meanwhile, centre-half Jack Hope, announced his departure from Culverden Stadium a couple of days ago, after leaving Lordswood with Styles and Morrin three years ago to play for Tunbridge Wells.

Styles added: “We are both delighted to be here. It is a great project and the right time to join the club.  It was an opportunity that we just couldn’t turn down. 

"We are proud to be at Whitstable, which is a big club with great fans and we’re very much looking forward to engaging with them and will build a team that they can be proud of.”

On his departure from Culverden Stadium, Styles said: "Dan and I handed our resignations from our positions at Tunbridge Wells today.  After much deliberation we decided that this was the best outcome given the new challenge foing forward that had arisen at Whitstable Town FC.

"I want to thank everyone involved at Tunbridge Wells FC from the chairman (Scott Bartlett) for the opportunity and to the volunteers for making me feel so welcome since I joined the club three years ago.

"Two Covid stricken years and a full season just finished, I've always worked as hard as possible in every game and moment with the club.

"Thank you to each and every player and staff member that wore the badge in my time as manager and gave me everything.

"A big thank you to the fans' for making myself and all players and staff so welcome from the minute we walked in.  We certainly felt the closeness within the dressing room.

"I've made some great friends and memories that will last a lifetime and have enjoyed every minute since joining the club.

"I leave to pastures new at Whitstable Town and I'm looking forward to embracing the next challenge and getting to work with an immense project and work being done already off the pitch."

Morrin added: "It's with a heavey heart we leave our position at Tunbridge Wells but the opportunity to work at a club like Whitstable Town was too big to turn down.  Thanks to all at Tunbridge Wells for three amazing years." 

Tunbridge Wells, meanwhile, state that “the search for a new manager will begin immediately.

“Tunbridge Wells Football Club would like to thank Richard and Dan for their work and we wish them both well for the future.”

Styles and Morrin are both UEFA B coaches and both work for Charlton Athletic’s Community Trust.