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Whitstable Town chairman Adam Lightowler leaves the club as manager Scott Porter focuses on football

Manager Scott Porter says he is focusing on football despite Whitstable being in the midst of more off-field upheaval with the resignation of chairman Adam Lightowler after just weeks with the club.

Saturday’s win at Peacehaven means Oystermen host Guernsey on Saturday (3pm) needing a win and for Peacehaven not to win at Carshalton in order to finish second-bottom, heights they have not hit since November.

Porter said: “I had certain goals when I came in, one of which was to get off the bottom. We’ve won three of eight games and have something to play for in the last game.

“We want to do whatever we can to give ourselves even a slim chance of a reprieve when the off-field matters are resolved after the season.

“Credit to the boys for getting us here and we had 18 players at training on Tuesday night.

“That shows you the spirit. Now we have got to go out and do it. It’s not been a good season but we want to finish it off on a high on Saturday, for the club, the fans and in memory and respect of Peter Blackmore – a club stalwart who recently passed away.”

Adam Lightowler. Picture: Chris Davey
Adam Lightowler. Picture: Chris Davey

Lightowler took over at the Belmont helm in late February in the wake of the departure of Gary Johnson.

He was joined in a three-pronged leadership group by Keith Perkins, a former Town scout who is now club commercial manager and Colin Patching – Town’s under-21 boss who added the role of general manager to his duties.

After taking over, Mr Lightowler said: “This is a long-term project and we are looking to the future, starting from grassroots up.”

However, a breakdown in communications between Mr Lightowler and Mr Patching with regards to club finances is behind the decision for he and vice-chairman Andrew Mackness to walk away.

Mr Lightowler said: “Since becoming chairman, I have tried to establish and understand the full financial position and liabilities.

“Both Andrew and I have been frustrated with the failure of the general manager to provide this information and constant disregard to the club, its structure and other committee members.

“As a result, we have no alternative but to immediately resign from the club committee and as chairman and vice-chairman/treasurer.

“We are not prepared to take any responsibility for financial practices that we have no control over whatsoever.”

He added: “I want to wish the players and in particular Scott Porter all the best for the future.

“He brought much needed leadership, strength and stability to the first team and we look forward to watching their progress.”

Mr Patching was unavailable for comment, although former chairman and life President Joe Brownett insisted the club’s future was bright.

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