New book will have collectors queuing for a copy

Whitstable Town chairman Gary Johnson reckons football historians, collectors and groundhoppers will be queuing up to get hold of a new book charting the history of the Ryman South's Oystermen.

Penned by long-term supporter, committee member and club historian Bernard Thompson, a limited run of a ‘A History of Whitstable Town FC 1885-2014’ went on sale last Saturday before the Oystermen's 4-1 home win over Sittingbourne.

Illustrated with over 350 pictures and packed full of statistics and paper cuttings going back to the start of the last century, the 320 page laminated A4 paperback has been 25 years in the making and features a foreword written by former Premier League star Nicky Southall who went on to manage and play for the Kent club.

The book's 70-year-old author is pictured presenting a copy to the Oystermen chairman who said: "It’s a fantastic book. Bernie has dedicated so much time to the cause over the years and has brought back so many memories to the locals who have and still support the club, many of those past have also been remembered.

"Its staggering when you look back through the years. The ground has retained much of its character that it has today which the book epitomises. I’m so proud of the achievements of Bernie and really can’t begin to thank him enough."

Thompson is delighted with the results of his work, the first complete record of Whitstable Town Football Club which includes a narrative account of the club's progress from only playing friendlies following its foundation 1885 to joining the Thanet League, East Kent League, Kent League and Ryman League.

He said: "I’ve been researching and compiling the book for the last 25 years. It’s been great fun and brought back so many personal memories to me too since my involvement with the club going back to when I was as boy.

"It might not be a best seller, I might not achieve a Nobel prize for literature but I’m pleased to be able to launch this book charting the history of the club.

"So much has gone into this and so many have contributed towards this publication I can’t start to thank them all. Any profits from this book will be donated to the club. If it sells reasonably well I will consider having more printed."

A limited number of copies priced at £20 are available on match days at The Belmont and also from Oxford Street Books, 28a Oxford Street, Whitstable. For more information call 07561 037996. The club can also be contacted via: chairman@whitstabletownfc.co.uk.

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