New Whitstable Town chairman Gary Johnson says he wants to 'awaken the sleeping giant' after taking over at the club last week.

Former referee Mr Johnson (pictured) was ratified as replacement to Joe Brownett at the club’s annual meeting after he opted to stand down after after 23 years with the Oystermen.

Mr Johnson said: "This is not a case of a new broom sweeping in.

"There has been a lot of good work done at this club and I want to continue that.

"I want to build on the foundations already in place and although, of course, I have some new ideas I want everyone in the community to join us on a journey."

Mr Johnson revealed his ambitions for the club and said sights were set on a promotion push in Ryman League, Division 1 South this coming season.

He said: "We have the fifth largest home support in the division and that is in spite of the fact that we have not always rewarded them on the field.

"However, (boss) Justin Luchford is building an excellent team, on and off the field, and we’re looking forward to a successful season.

"We all want to be sitting comfortably in that top-half of the table and pushing for the play-off places. The club is a sleeping giant and hopefully we can help awaken it."