Chatham Town chairman Jeff Talbot is relishing three team tournament against Gillingham and Royal Engineers
Published: 07:00, 20 July 2012
Chatham Town launch their 130th anniversary celebrations on Sunday with chairman Jeff Talbot hailing it as "a big day in a big season" for the club.
Chats face a Gillingham Development XI and the Royal Engineers in a three-team tournament for the Anniversary Trophy sponsored by the Medway Messenger with each game 30 minutes each way.
Mr Talbot (pictured) said: "We are looking forward to hosting two other local institutions, who are celebrating milestones like ourselves.
"The Royal Engineers have been in the Medway Towns for 200 years, with their football team established 150 years ago and it’s 100 years since New Brompton Football Club changed their name to Gillingham."
Local MP Tracey Crouch will be among the special guests on the day which starts with Chatham facing Royal Engineers (12.15pm), followed by the Engineers against Gills (2pm), with Chats meeting Gills at 3.45pm. The presentation ceremony is due to start at 5pm.
Mr Talbot said: "We have a diary of events planned throughout the season for different sections of the community, including one for our ex-players, which will probably be a golf day.
"We also want to officially open our new two-floor clubhouse extension during the season but are still testing it.
"In time, it will be a seven-day operation and provide us with an important new revenue stream."
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Alex Hoad