It’s fair to say that time has flied and I can scarcely believe that we are nearly at Christmas already. The last twelve months have been an absolute whirlwind as we end what has been one of the most successful years in the club’s long history. To achieve promotion last April, reach The FA Vase quarter finals and find ourselves mid table in the Isthmian South East half way through the season, means it has been a cracker of a year and one that will live long in the memory. In this update I will run through all the key things happening at the club as we look forward to another big year in 2025.

Firstly, we have been really pleased with how the first team have adapted following our promotion. Although some of the results have been very frustrating (local derbies especially) to have won 10 league games before Christmas is a great achievement and something we are all proud of. We kept faith with the promotion winning squad, adding only a couple of additions and they have not let us down. There have been times when we have not performed as well as we could but, as anyone who watches the team regularly will know, the boys always give 100% and are all proud to represent the club. The second half of the season will continue to be tough but we are enjoying the challenge and looking forward to every game. We will set out to entertain and attack in every game and hopefully that will lead to plenty more exciting games.

On the player front; Kane Smith and Aaron Millbank are nearing returns from long-term injuries. Kane is going to be joining Canterbury City on a dual-registration, as he gets competitive minutes under his belt after a long lay-off. We are hoping that Aaron will be back available in the New Year; they are both important players for us and we look forward to having them back. We have added midfielder Tommy Lamb to the squad for the next six weeks, as he is back in the UK from his studies in America. He is currently playing at a high standard in the USA and he will add extra quality and depth to the squad, during a busy period over the coming weeks. It is also great to have Max Niblett back from University, for the holiday period, and he adds further depth to the squad. All of our other current injuries are short term but, with so many games coming up, we will need to utilise the whole squad over the coming weeks; games coming thick and fast.

Talking of the squad, it has been great to see the emergence of our young players. Morgan Page, Zak Hammond and Owen Wilkinson have all featured regularly in First Team squads this season and have done really well. They are all U18 but have stepped up the task when required and shown how bright the future is at the club. After being promoted to Step 4 it is not always common for young players to be given an opportunity but we believe in producing our own players and will continue to give talented young players opportunities. As ever, these players need to be patient; I have no doubt they will be key names in the our squad over the coming years.

As well as the boys mentioned above we have a number of other young players who are making excellent progress. The U23s are doing very well and, with an average age of under 19, these players are getting the exposure that we desired. The aim of this team is development and, although results may not always go our way, these young players areregularly placed in challenging situations which helps them develop for First Team opportunities. Rob, John and Danny are doing an excellent job and the players are developing really well. It has been a little tougher for the Under 18’s; injuries to major players have hindered their season as well as most of the squad playing regularly for the Under 23’s. However, there are a new crop of young players in that squad who are making good progress and as a club we will ensure that every player will be given an opportunity when they show they are good enough to step up. As Manager of this football club I am very proud that six U18 players have played competitive minutes for the First Team in 2024.

Off the field the club has continued to grow, thanks to the brilliant work of the Board. The ground improvements (including the fantastic new changing rooms) do not come about without a lot of work, and this often goes unnoticed. I believe a football club can only be successful if it is working well both on and off the pitch, as these things go hand in hand. Natalie, Rob and the rest of the Board always offer their full support and allow the football club to keep progressing. As well as the Board, our fantastic volunteers (too many to mention by name) continue to do the club proud and without them there wouldn’t be a football club so they also have my full appreciation.

We are also lucky to have some great sponsors who go above and beyond when supporting the team. Without their support some of the things we do would not be possible; a massive thank you to all those individuals and companies that have supported us in 2024, and will continue to support us in the future. As a playing group, we really appreciate it.

When reviewing the year, it would be amiss of me not to mention and give full credit to the staff that work with me. Hilly, Kieron, Tony, Briggo, Bex and Kye all do brilliant jobs in supporting the players. We are very lucky to have such committed and talented staff and everyone plays a key role. Hilly and Kieron are key supports in terms of the performance and a lot of the work that they both do goes unnoticed but I can assure you we would not have had the success we have had this year without them both.

Finally, I want to say a massive thank you to you, our supporters. Without you we are nothing and your support means everything to us. Our home crowds have been absolutely amazing and our away support is brilliant. You lift us when are down and drive us on when we need it. As a group we are proud to represent your club and will always give 100% for the shirt. We won’t win every game but I can assure you we will always leave no stone unturned in our desire to be successful. You will always have my full respect and it would be great to see our support grow even further in 2025.

It just leaves me to wish you all an amazing Christmas and a very happy, healthy and successful 2025. Please spend time with your loved ones and take some time to rest and relax. 

Don’t forget to find a few hours on Boxing Day to come and support us against Herne Bay but other than that enjoy time with your loved ones.

Come on you Hoops!

Kingy