3 hours Ago By [email protected] (Luke Cawdell)
Chatham Town manager and chairman Kevin Hake accepts they fell short on the pitch this season - but there is plenty to be happy about. Chats ended their second campaign in the Isthmian Premier Division ninth after being unable to match the efforts of the previous year, which saw them lose out in a play-off promotion final. But with attendances still remaining buoyant - nudging an average 1,500 per game - Chatham’s progress as a club remains on the up.
Hake said: “This season our clear target was promotion, and while we ultimately fell short of that goal, we’ve taken another significant step forward. “We’ve firmly established ourselves as a competitive Isthmian Premier League side, and our consistent performances reflect the progress we’ve made in recent years.” It’s a mighty rise from a club that dropped out of the Isthmian League in 2017 and ended up fifth from bottom in the Southern Counties East Premier Division the following year.
The Covid seasons held them back for a while, but Chats were promoted from the SCEFL Premier Division in 2022 and then won Isthmian South East. Average league crowds of 1,473 are better than fellow Isthmian Premier sides Dartford, Dover and Folkestone and even National League side Ebbsfleet - albeit their season was written off early. Hake said: “Our average attendances this season confirm we are now the second-largest non-league club in Kent - a remarkable and almost unthinkable achievement when you consider where we were just five years ago.
“That growth is a credit to everyone involved, especially our loyal supporters. “While it was disappointing to narrowly miss out on retaining the Velocity Cup in the final, I’m incredibly proud of the effort the players put in throughout the competition. “It was another strong run that showed the character and ambition within the squad.
” Chatham finished the season against Dulwich Hamlet at Champion Hill - the only team with a better following at home. More than 3,000 were there last Saturday. Freddie Sears put Chats ahead on 19 minutes but Dulwich levelled through Max Hudson in the second half.
John Ufuah restored the lead for Hake’s side but a goal deep into extra-time levelled it up again, scored by former Gills winger Mark Marshall. We have added away trips at @MaidstoneUnited and @WorthingFC to our pre-season schedule! 🙌 A reminder that season ticket holders get into all home fixtures free of charge. 😍 Early Bird 25/26 Season Tickets: 🎟️ https://t.
co/KLPIn8OUOy 🔴⚪️⚫️ #UpTheChats pic.twitter.com/iVHrdJGt5Z Chats have already lined up some exciting home games in pre-season with League 2 sides Gillingham and Bromley agreeing to friendly matches along with Coventry City, who sent a development team last season off the back of signing Harvey Broad.
Faversham Town and Sheppey United are also heading to Chatham this summer. Chats have season tickets on sale for the 2025/26 campaign, with prices currently frozen and, looking ahead, Hake said: “Work has already been well under way for some time in preparation for next season. “We know where we need to improve, and we’re determined to build on the foundations we’ve laid.
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