Chatham’s new chairman Kevin Hake is predicting exciting times ahead.

The club will begin a new chapter in the Southern Counties East next season after relegation from the Ryman League but it’s far from doom and gloom down at Maidstone Road.

Mr Hake said: “These are exciting times ahead for everyone involved at Chatham Town and I urge the supporters to come along and embrace the next chapter in this club’s great history.

“By making the club more appealing to the local community and surrounding areas, I hope that our supporters embrace this opportunity to really feel a part of the club.

“Local businesses are also welcome to get involved and sponsor the club. There’s no TV deal money here and we rely heavily on sponsorship where even a small donation can make a massive difference.”

The new chairman is no stranger to Chatham. Last season he was manager of Gravesham Borough, who ground shared with Chats at Maidstone Road, but the links are deeper than that.

His late father Tom Hake managed the team in the 90s and both he and his brother Gary played for Chats.

He said: “The club is in my DNA. When the opportunity came up to become chairman of Chatham Town, I simply couldn’t turn it down. It’s a once in lifetime opportunity.

“I am a local lad who first stood on the old Maidstone Road terraces as a nine-year-old supporter. I have fond memories of playing league and county finals at the ground, as well as playing in the Chats first team with my brother.

“Chatham Town have a great history and I am happy to be the chosen one to take the club forward.”

Read more from Chatham Town's new chairman in this week's Medway Messenger newspaper.