Blackman's the new man at Whitstable

Whitstable Town have announced big changes for next season, with manager Scott Porter becoming Director of Football whilst Lloyd Blackman comes in and takes charge of the first team.

The announcement, which was made in the early hours of this morning- do people not sleep at the Belmont- gives the thoughts of Porter. He explained:

“This is a decision that I have decided to make for the better for the club and myself, with the approval of the committee. I was brought to the club just over three years ago, with the club certain of relegation from Isthmian South with just eight games to go. Once relegation was confirmed, my job was to get the club back to where they belong, which I did with promotion to the Bostik South East, having finished the 2017-2018 season as runners up in the SCEFL league, along with winning the SCEFL League Cup and the Kent Senior Trophy, so becoming one of the most successful managers in the long history of Whitstable Town – something that I am very proud of. I approached Blacky, who I regard as a great friend, in and out of football and someone I can work with and trust, as we did when he was with me at Hythe Town. After expressing my thoughts and having a lot of meetings together, we put it to Joe Brownett (chairman) and Ron Martin (treasurer), also Steve Clayton (chairman to be) and they supported the idea 100%.

This is an exciting time for the club, with the new chairman Steve Clayton bringing in fresh ideas on and off the pitch to move the club forward, especially the youth policy, a new reserve team and the existing academy, something Blacky is keen to support. I’m looking forward to working with the chairman and his team, along with Blacky and his staff. I would just like to thank Joe Brownett and Ron Martin for supporting me and the club during my reign as manager, as it wouldn’t have been a success without those two, also the players past and present under my reign, my backroom staff who will be staying on with Blacky and most importantly the fans who have been exceptional week in week out since I’ve been here.”

Former Brentford striker, Ashford United coach and- until December last year, Ramsgate manager- Blackman will have Darren Anslow and Paul Murray as his first team coaches.

Read more on these changes at the club website, here.