Whitstable Town FC

To the manager,staff and players,thanks for giving us fans something to be truly proud of in whitstable.All of your hard work is paying off big time;well earned.Good luck in the final next week.Lets make it a treble!COME ON YOU REDS!!!!!!!!!!!

Phone call

“Tony, may I offer my congratulations to you all at Whitstable Town, we would have like to have taken it to the last day of the season but it was not to be. We lost our nerve a little and no disrespect to Tunbridge Wells who gave their all, but then you had a dodgy spell which enabled us to close the gap. Good luck next season, the table at the end of the season never lies.” Chairman VCD

Just to say thanks to Marc and Simon, it has been a pleasure following the team home and away,I appreciate the way Marc and Simon always have time to have a word with us (the fans)they really do make you feel part of the club, Marc even took time out to talk to myself and Daughters at the Final at Dartford and that really made them feel special, once again well done to everyone connected with WTFC, you have earned and deserve all the praise you receive, dont be modest you deserve it!!!! YOU REDS!!!!

Picture: WTFC manager Marc Seager with wife Paula

It is fantastic to see a local team doing so well. The other half is well pleased. He's been a WTFC supporter for years. Congratulations.

i'd just like to add my congratulations to marc and everyone at the club on becoming kent league champions 2006/07.

Phone call from Ray Leader Faversham Town FC:
Tony just thought I’d take a minute to wish Marc and all the lads all the best in the Ryman League next season. We probably had our best two games this season against you, the first one at Salter’s Lane was a classic, played in appalling weather it rain in stair rods and all the players from both teams plus the officials on the night deserve full credit for such an excellent game of football. The Kent League will miss you, but that will be the Ryman’s gain. Good Luck Ray Leader.

Tony,  I'm back in the country after being all over the place with the RAF - but back in time to see Whitstable win the Kent Senior Trophy the other Sunday at Dartford (lovely ground) and then become the Kent League Champions. It has been an amazing season and one that has given us supporters so much enjoyment (especially if we live so far away). In fact, I was last wearing my Whitstable Town shirt in Afghanistan last December and actually phoned my dad for the half time and full time score!). 

I have kept up to date from your fantastic website, my elderly dad (Brian) visiting the ground and from the Whitstable Times, which my parents send me whereever in the World I am.

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RE: Whitstable Town F.C. NEWS: Chairman and manager celebrate the first league win in clubs long history..WHITSTABLE ARE THE KENT LEAGUE CHAMPIONS Well done Whitstable and congrats Tony to you and your team. I look forward to reporting from the Belmont in the RymaNS League next season

Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I am so pleased for you and everyone at the club. What a long wait it has been for The Reds after so many false dawns but your triumph has been thoroughly deserved because of how much effort has been put in both on and off the pitch. My only regret is that I am not able to chronicle this wonderful season - I would have dug deeply into my well of superlatives and adjectives to salute Town! Your appointment of Seags was the pivotal moment when Town went from an average side to a terrific one and I have no doubt this success will continue in the Ryman next season..Many, many congratulations.
From Nigel Munson (many years head of Sport at the Whitstable Times)

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Tony,
congratulations on winning the Kent League and would you also pass this message on to Jo for me please.
Happy Rymans days, with some mouth-watering matches coming up next season.
Enjoy it to the full.
From: Bill Brade. > ps Please don't reply, no time for that when you're celebrating.!!!

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Congratulations to everyone at the club on bringing the Kent League Title to Whitstable.

Well done,  what a marvellous achievment.  You must make the town proud.  I will continue to support you next season.  Play well next Saturday in the final against Thamemead, I will be there.  Iused to train at the Belmont in the mid 50's with Charlie Ridge.  I played a couple of times for the old A team.

Morning Alan,
Denise and I would like to pass on our congratulations to
everyone connected with Whitstable Town F.C
Since Denise and I got involved with the Kent League with Greenwich Boro we have enjoyed our relationship with your Club.
You have all been a credit to our League and Im sure you will
be as successful as other clubs before you going into the Rymans league.
we look foreward to seeing you at the dinner and dance
to speak to you personally.
Again great stuff our best wishes to you all.

Doug Francis and Denise Richmond (Chair Kent Football League)

Hello Alan

Just heard the fantastic news and CONGRATULATIONS !!  WHITSTABLE LEAGUE CHAMPIONS !!

Have a drink for me mate.
Best regards . . . Bill Atwell , Lockridge, Western Australia.

PS , I will be having a barbeque here tomorrow night and I will
certainly throw down a couple extra beers ( Ok a lot of extra beers ) to
celebrate,  it is wonderful.
From: Bill Atwell , Lockridge, Western Australia.

To everyone connected to WTFC, what an achievement to be proud of!!
You have provided some great entertainment for us all this season and the title is truly well deserved. Congratulations to all. Look forward to supporting you all in The Ryman League.
From: Alison Fraser

From a new supporter this season... I was made welcome by friendly fans, enjoyed the quality of football, was impressed by the management's building up of a strong squad.

Phone Call: from Jason Bragg (ex Whitstable Town manager and first team captain under John Roseman)

“Tony, please pass on my good wishes to all at the club, I have not been able to get to the Belmont as often as I would have liked this last season but next year you will see a lot more of me, I can’t wait to see the lads playing in the Ryman League. I know what it takes to win a championship and I pay full credit to Marc and everyone connected with Whitstable Town on what you have achieved. I am proud to have been part of the club”

From Jason Bragg:

what a season,3great games against deal,a cup final,promotion,and the treble is still on,who needs the premiership? roll on next season, well done the town,great team,great manager ,great supporters

I had friends who moved from South East London to Whitstable, and not only did I stay with them in the summer often, but one played in the youth side (Kieran Nix) for a short time.  We'd often come through the gates so we could play to a goal with nets!  And the flags with the Oystermen crest were usually still flying!

The first match I saw there would have been about 1982, and it was a loss to Thames Poly 1-0, but we went round and got autographs (I kid you not), and somewhere I still have the red shirt of the left back at home that the manager gave me.  I'm a Sheffield United fan, but just for my memories down by you guys, I take an interest if nothing else, and wish you all the very, very best next year.
If I can make a journey down to the Belmont, and to see a win, I'd be a happy man

ps is the Rising Sun off Essex Street still a decent local?  It's where my mates' Gramps used to go for a beer

....... (sorry to say Grahame The 'Riser is no more), we have a memorial match next Friday the 4th of May for Whitstable's Sports Friends Roger Wilkinson and Nick Delo, Nick was the landlord of The Rising Sun befor it made way for houses. (Tony)

Steve Hutson (Secretary Croydon FC)

On behalf of everyone at Croydon FC, well done on achieving promotion to the Ryman League. We have found on our visits to your ground this year that your officials have made us very welcome and you have a great background team working for the club and the clubs success on the pitch is the reward these people deserve.  Good luck for season 2007/2008
From: Steve Hutson (Secretary Croydon FC)

CHEERS
from: nick cordes

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To Tony Rouse/ Joe Brownett & Committee Mark Seagers & staff and all members of WTFC.
MANY, MANY CONGRATULATIONS ON BECOMING KENT LEAGUE CHAMPIONS 2006/07 - ENJOY EVERY MINUTE OF YOUR SUCCESS. - HOPING FOR THE TREBLE!
A founding member as coach/physio of the original under 18 youth team which has helped develope youth football at WTFC.
From: Brian Wanstall - Newcastle upon Tyne

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I am veerie pleesed that Oysters are on tops. I will bee driniking some beere and some onion vodka in hinoure of bravery or red and white meen!
From Alian Polska

(note) Alian has sent me many messages of support the last couple of seasons, as well as his drawing of the team  and I felt I needed to include his message here:
Alan, don't overcooked the sweet cabbage! Tony

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Hi Tony   Congratulations!!!
I'm really pleased to see you won the league and that you will be in the  Ryman next season.
Its a great division with many good teams and grounds  so you are in for an exciting time.
hope you are enjoying the celebrations
From Ruth Tunnell: Maidstone United:

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John Bathurst Chairman Herne Bay FC
Many congratulations. For all the hard work put in at the club and on the facilities at the Belmont. We will miss you and the local derbys! Good luck in Ryman 1. Just hope we can join you soon.
From John Bathurst Chairman Herne Bay FC

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having been involved since 1989, i've seen many players and squads come and go and many false dawns of promise, but this season caps everything that has gone before, i'm proud to be a part of the club as committee member and look forward to next season with Marc and his team as we enter a new begining in the RYMAN!!Watch out!
From Trevor Myhill

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Barry Feist (General Manager of Greenwich Borough FC)
On behalf of everyone at Greenwich Borough FC we would like to congratulate Whitstable Town on winning the Kent League title for the first time. The matches between our two sides this season have been of the highest standard and we have enjoyed our three visit's to the Belmont this season where we have been received and treated in a very professional manner. Whistable Town are a credit to football and we wish you all the best in the Ryman League next season.
From: Barry Feist General Manager Greenwich Borough Football Club

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My first season as a supporter!  Feel maybe I'm the lucky element missing for the last 121 years!  COME ON YOU REDS!
From: Bernard WRIGHT!

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Congratulations to whitstable town
Used to live there and followed the club since my friend paul stark introduced me to them.
Hope that you have success in the ryman league next season
From: Malcolm Hobday :

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Congratulations to Whitstable Town for following Ramsgate and Maidstone into the Rymans..
you know what's next then, promotion to the premier!
The teams of Kent are making us all proud, so big up the Oyster boys, brrapp, brrapp, one time..
congratulations to Micky Lane for using his experience at Dover Reserves to become a stronger, taller (in so many ways)player, we salute you lane dog..
well done mate, should be able to find a girlfriend soon too!
From James Gregory Ramsgate Football Club 

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Congratulations to all the players and staff at Whitstable Football Club. I played for Whitstable Town Reserves and "A" Team in the early 60's and have always followed Whitsable Football Club's progress from Australia.
All the very best for the future.
From: Dave Hurdman  Perth Western Australia 30th April 2007

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My 2 brothers and I returned to the Belmont for the VCD game after a gap of many years. 2 of us were part of a supporters club (and ball boys) during the 1960s. Encouraged by Charles Ridge, who was club physio, we spent many happy days at the ground with Dave(Oscar)Evans and friends. Shame that the league was not won against VCD but a fantastic week to follow. Let's go the whole way and win our second cup! 
From: Keith Wootton

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Congratulations to Mark, Simon and the whole team.
We are all proud of you and your success. Thanks for entertaining us with some great matches and best of luck for next season.
From: Mike Finch aka Elwood

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Well Done
From: Micky West
(Mick, you always were a man of few words, after a pint a few more! ) thanks Tony

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I am so proud of the team this year- For the character, the fight and the team spirit.
Thanks to the Marc, Simon, Laney and Turtle for this achievement that would could only dream about over the years.
Thanks to all the players at the club for the performances this year, to the club who worked so hard and to the supporters for creating an excellent atmosphere at the ground. It has rewarded me for all the years I have followed the club.
Thanks everyone
From: Andy Short

My father Alf Wood

To all connected with the club well done. I was proud to pull on the red shirt for the Whitstable Reds back in the late 70's even playing at the Belmont.
This is almost as good. Well done again.
From: Ian Shirley

Well done to everyone at the club,has been a great first season for me and my two boys,jack and charlie,looking forward to next season already.
ANDY BRUCE (AKA GFC REJECT)
From: Andy Bruce

what a season 3 years i have followed the mighty reds and im so proud of each and every player. the manager in my view is a different class and long may marc simon and laney reign ....
width god damn it ..width
lee jemmett aka jimmy greaves 68

Congratulations to everyone at the club!
My family have supported Whitstable Town all their lives and my own memories go back to the mid 1960s.
I've travelled to games in a pram - so I'm told; by train, to long lost clubs like Dartford Glentworth and Darenth Heathside and by car to grounds from Hampshire to Humberside. There have been lean times, both on and off the pitch, but lots of fun along the way.
For all those who have worked hard over the years and followed the team hoping for success, this season is surely proof that dreams can come true.
From: Ron Martin

From: MARK ARDEN

Congtatulations Tony, to your committeee, management team and players on a most successful season. You have been great hosts when we have visited, and we have had some memorable matches which we will now miss, but all at VCD Athletic wish you well in your venture into the Ryman league.
Let's hope we can join you soon.
Also, best of luck in your quest for the treble this Saturday, which will nicely round off a spectacular season.

From: Brian Norris -  VCD Athletic Committee

I am actually a Dover fan but congratulations on joining us in the Isthmian.  Good to see another East Kent side progress.
Obviously still a little disappointed that we will be playing you in the league next season (that of course being because we haven't quite made the Premier this time!) but looking forward to it.  Hopefully a good (and friendly) atmosphere whenever the match comes.
From: Paul Woodgate

Letter of congratulation:
We have received letters of congratulations from Whitstable Rugby Club who like ourselves have had a great season...and from  Faversham secretary Alan Trent who we are delighted are back playing senior football at Salter’s Lane and Horsham YM coach Tommy Sampson who very graciously mentioned that Marc has gone one better and won the Kent League and promotion. Whilst Tommy was being a little modest and not mentioning his FA Vase win, he said that promotion was the one thing that had eluded him during his time in Kent.
From Alan Trent & Tommy Sampson:

  Picture: Micheal Addcock: 
well done to Marc and the team for their achievements this year, it's been top entertainment. Looking forward to the challenges next year!
YOU REDSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
From: Keith Mount

I've supported Whitstable F C for a number of years and I would just like to add my congratulations to all the others. It will be difficult next season but I feel that you have the makings of a good team with youth and experiance, and with the help of the 12th man (the oyster boys) you can't fail. Good luck, and well done.
COME ON YOU REDS
From: chris philpott

Congradulations all you oysters ,Hope you can follow us & we'll play you in the prem .
As mr strouts will tell you, there is nothing to fear in ryman one.
All the best from THE STONES !            SAVALOY
From barry waite

Bob Tomlinson, Press Officer, Whitstable Rugby Club
Many congratulations to yourself and everyone associateed with your Club, especially the players on your wonderful achievements this season - League Champions and winners of the Senior Cup trophy. Everyone at the Rugby Club congratulates you on your tremendous achievement.
Good luck next season in the Ryman League
From: Bob Tomlinson, Press Officer, Whitstable Rugby Club

Well done Mark and all the Team! We send our heartiest congratulations to you all who were involved in this temendous achievment!
From: Doug and Jen Finch

I am absolutely wrapped to hear my beloved Oyster Boys have won the league.
As a Spurs fan I normally find it hard to use the word "RED" but sod it Well done YOOOOUUUU REDS. I'm proud to be a Whitstable lad from way back(60's 70's) as I've lived in OZ for 25 years but was lucky enough to be home to watch the F A cup game against Margate in Oct ?(very close)
Good Luck in the Ryman, I follow your progress with great enthusiasm. I wonder how many other Oyster Boy fans live in OZ ? Maybe I should start a Club Ha Ha ! ! !Best wishes Mick C
From: Mick Clews

Great Season Whitstable, A long time for some success. Good luck for next year in the Ryman League. from ian on the Gold Coast Australia
From: ian brewer

Great Season Whitstable, A long time for some success. Good luck for next year in the Ryman League. from ian on the Gold Coast Australia
I am Bill Attwell from Perth, Australia.  Well done Whitstable Town FC,  champions for the first time in your long long history.
I lived all of my childhood in Cromwell Road, Whitstable and I will for ever support you even from way down here in Oz.
CONGRATULATIONS CHAMPS !!
From: Bill Attwell: 6 Mattner Square: Lockridge  Perth  WA: 6054  AUSTRALIA.

To Marc, All the boys and the backroom staff
A massive congratulations to you all on finally getting out of the kent league. I have been following you from around the globe and you realy have done it in style.Im so pleased for everyone involved in the club, its just deserved for all the hard work and effort that EVERYONE puts in.All the best for next season and and the cup final saturday. Well done Seags, Simon and Laney
From: Toby Roy

From: Jayne Kr

I feel privileged (and lucky) to have found Whitstable Town FC this season having recently moved back to the
 town after a 10 year detour via Liverpool. As you recently reminded me, when we first met you asked me
whether I was from the press and I responded: no, I'm  just taking some photos; I'm a Liverpool fan, but as
you play in red, I might just stick around (contrary to popular belief, I'm not actually C.I.D). I'm glad I did, and I feel I have been warmly welcomed by everyone involved with the club from the supporters  through the players to the management and beyond.  This, to me, is the club's great strength. It's been a  fantastic season despite the defeat in the League Cup  (the trophy was very small anyway!). I am thoroughly looking forward to next season in the Ryman League and have no doubt that the team will continue to build,  improve and find more success by virtue - largely - of the passion that characterises this Club. There is so  much potential here and it seems that the local  community is being bitten by the bug too. Well done to all the Oysters. You Reds! Nam myoho renge kyo! 

From: "Per Laleng"

I' m not grumpy at the moment far from it. Well done all.
Jimmy Morrissey aka Grumpy Old Oyster. Oh yes he is but not as bad as normal. Thanks all for that and the football.   tina Morrissey aka Grumpy's WAG

From Tony Stone who I used to play football with many years ago, he sent in the following message.

Congratulation Tony… .Do you remember when we use to cycle to Canterbury, play a match, cycle back to Whitstable and then I used to play another match in the afternoon. I cannot imagine any would do that today!
What about playing for Whitstable Natives on the old rec when the council dug all those trenches for draining and they were about 1 metre apart and  approx. 100mm high and ran the width of the pitch. That is how ball
control was learnt. I also remember at the Nottidge school, heading practice with Les Riggs, Margate
Manager. His idea was to kick one of those old leather balls about a mile up in the air and you were expected to head when it came down, weighing a good ton. We were driven into the ground like tent-pegs. Good days?????

Keep check back from time to time as the messages are still coming in from near and far; we will be adding them to the presentation page as a permanent reminder of our fantastic 2006/07 season.  We have received loads so far, by the way if you would like you email address left in with your message please say so as I have had inquiries asking for contact info when people see a name they knew from way back...!
Tony