Chatham Town have announced that they are to stick with the Ryman League Division One North for next season.

When the club received the disappointing news that the club would remain in Division One North of the Ryman League next season, Chatham Town Chairman Jeff Talbot stated that no further comment would be made until the club held its usual board meeting.

This meeting took place earlier this week and following it Mr Talbot said,  “This disappointing news was not as we had hoped, based on expectations from both the Ryman League and the FA, that the new expanded Divisions would have seen us moved to the Southern Division.”

Mr Talbot went on to address the options that had been left open to the club for season 2013/2014.  “Fortune and circumstance around promotion, relegation and moves between Leagues have not favoured CTFC’s case to move South.”

“Many of you like the CTFC Board have mulled over the various permutations that could have seen us move.”

“Many of you like the CTFC Board still cannot second guess how all the pieces of the bigger picture were put together leaving this outcome.”

“I guess we will get to hear more over the next few weeks – especially at the Ryman League AGM where the League Clubs have the opportunity to ratify the Constitution.”

There will sadly though be changes to the way the club is run along with a reduction in the number of teams that the club run.  Mr Talbot explained – “Like many other Clubs we have looked to further reduce overheads. And like other Clubs with agile Managers and strong Youth Teams we have reluctantly decided not to field a Reserve side next season.”

“That said we are a progressive Club and need to move forward despite the resource issues playing in the North imposes upon us.”

“The CTFC Board and Managers of the First Team and Reserves have jointly given some considerable thought to how we can make a difference going forward to relieve some of the pressure and hopefully push on with a stronger on field presence next season.”

“However we have 6 major positives for next season – our main two main sponsors are fully behind us giving us the financial stability critical in today’s climate.”

“Our new builds at the Stadium are beginning to draw in new revenues and our Football Academy is looking really positive for next season.”

“We are continuing to develop the playing surface which is becoming a real grass attraction to visiting Clubs and other users alike.  We are planning to host a Gillingham XI on Saturday 6th July at 1300hrs KO to launch the pre-season friendlies.”

“The news could have been better but looking forward we will make the best of our situation as we move into out 131st Year.”

“We hope those that travelled North with us last season will continue to do so and hope to see more of our locals give us further support at home games.”