10thjuly03

Exodus at Chatham Town
The exodus of players from Chatham Town has continued with the loss of Shawn Mitchell to neighbours Maidstone United. He follows Simon Austin out of Maidstone Road after he signed for the Stones last month.

Welcoming Mitchell to the club, Jim Ward, Maidstone's manager, described him as a big, ugly midfielder".

Mitchell is the third player to leave the club after defender Andy Larkin started the drift away by joining Tonbridge Angels.

A fourth player could be on his way as goalkeeper Kevin Fewell has been approached by arch Dr Martens League, Eastern Division rivals Sittingbourne.

Player-manager Peter Coupland said: "We're sorry to have lost three established players but we have plenty of good young players coming through and they will be given their chance next season."

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