Chatham chairman Jeff Talbot says improved gates in Ryman League Division 1 South next season will help give new boss Alex O’Brien an improved playing budget.

Mr Talbot (pictured right) is looking forward to hosting five all-Kent clashes which will generate crowds of around 300. Last season’s average gate was 150 in Ryman League North, where some clubs struggle to attract three figures.

He said: "We are preparing our budgets at the moment, and helped by great support from our sponsors, hope to expand the budget which is very good in the present climate.

"Better gates will also help us do other things, including pitch improvements, a new extension on the clubhouse and a bigger boardroom."

Meanwhile, Chatham are spending around £40,000 on building new concrete fencing around a third of the Maidstone Road ground.

Mr Talbot added: "Medway Council and the Football Foundation have both helped towards the cost, and we have generated between £5,000 and £8,000 ourselves."

Sponsors MTS Cleansing from Kingsnorth on the Isle of Grain will be back for a second season, together with Southern Fencing and Top Scaffold.

Meanwhile, defender Richard Avery has joined Matt Solly in committing himself to the club next season, following confirmation of a return to Division 1 South.