Chatham Town boss Kevin Watson is preparing his side for a feast of pre-season action
Published: 07:00, 13 July 2012
Chatham Town, Kent’s oldest senior club, are hosting a three-team tournament involving both Gillingham and the Royal Engineers to begin celebrations marking their 130th season.
The teams will be playing for the ‘Anniversary Trophy’ sponsored by the Medway Messenger who are one of the club’s partners.
Each side will play the others once, beginning with Chatham against Royal Engineers (12.15pm), followed by the Engineers against a Gillingham XI (2pm), with Chatham taking on the Gills (3.45pm). All three games will be 30 minutes each way, with the presentations at 5pm.
The tournament takes place on Sunday, July 22.
Chats player-manager Kevin Watson (pictured) is pleased with pre-season training so far, after three sessions a week at various venues.
New signing Jean-Michel Sigere is the club’s one new signing so far, but Watson hopes to reveal more names soon.
He said: "Jean-Michel looks fit and ready, has got a good attitude, and we hope he plays a big part in our season."
Watson has retained 11 of last season’s squad, including two goalkeepers, Tim Roberts and Tony Kessell, and striker Jack Jeffrey who has benefited from a busy summer’s personal training ahead of pre-season.
Five players have moved on, Chris Hill, Joe Fuller Jason Barton, Chris Davies and Lloyd Blackman, who has taken on a player-coach role at Ryman League Division 1 South Hythe.
Chatham begin their pre-season build-up at Kent Hurlimann League side Cray Valley next Thursday (7.45pm).
Chats have been paired with either Peacehaven & Telscombe or Banstead in the preliminary round of the FA Cup on August 25. They face a trip to Ryman League Division 1 South Herne Bay in the FA Trophy preliminary round on September 15.
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Alex Hoad