Kent football is in mourning today following the sad announcement that former Chatham Town manager and Director of Football Steve Binks has passed away following a short illness.

Tributes have been pouring in for a man who many considered to be Mr Chatham Town such has been his involvement with the Medway club that has seen him manage the first team at least three teams both permanently and temporarily; enjoyed a spell as Director of Football before being made Club President.

Former Club Secretary Henry Longhurst was upset when contacted for comment by KSN.  Mr Longhurst told us, “I don’t think anyone knew how ill Steve actually was until the last.  Steve was Mr Chatham Town having started managing at Youth level through to the reserves and final first team manager.  He was always there to take over when Chatham found themselves without a manager; always willing to give youth a chance a chance in the first team.  There is many a player still playing today that got their first chance through Steve; he always had time for people to talk about football.  He will be a sad loss to the game, his family and all his many friends – he really was a true gentleman!”

Current club skipper Paul Vines told KSN, “I’ve only known him a short time, but it was clear how much he was meant to all around the club.  He will be sorely missed on matchdays and hopefully we dedicate any success we get this season to his memory as Mr Chatham Town.  On behalf of all the players we send his “other” family our condolences for their great loss…  RIP Binksy.”

The club has announced that there will be a minute’s applause before Saturday’s home game with Bearsted in the Kent Senor Trophy.

Everyone at KSN would like to forward our condolences to the Binks family and all those at the Maidstone Road Sports Ground past and present as once your life came into contact with Steve, your life was truly touched in both life and football forever – Kent has indeed lost a legend of our game!