Pitching In Isthmian Supporters Predictions 22-23: Chatham Town

We're asking fans from each of our clubs to answer a series of questions about the past, present and future- and to predict the final league table for 22-23. We’re off to Charles Dickens land, where Pat Byrne has a chat with us about Chatham Town.

1. Thinking about last season, what were your highlights?
Getting promotion, and scoring 122 goals. Including a 10-0 win over Tower Hamlets away equalling our biggest away win in our history and 10-1 over Erith & Belvedere and conceding just 20- a new league record since 32+ league game season come into force. Seeing our attendances rise dramatically; our away support was best in SCEFL Premier.

2. Moving on to your current squad- which players do you think will make a big impact during the 2022-23?

Jack Evans, our talisman, we all know is quite capable of playing at a much higher level as his performances are very consistent. He won the Players Player of the Year award for the third year running. Dan Bradshaw won the Golden Boot last season with 46 goals just falling 3 short of a new Chats record. New signings look to have strengthened us during close season, our goalkeeper Dan Ellis is back from injury and looked very good still on his return late in the season- a top-class keeper. We have a good mix of youngster and experience in our squad.

3. Realistically, how do you think you’ll do this season?
I expect us to challenge for the title and a play-off place is the minimum. Our crowds have increased five-fold in the last two seasons and our Chairman/Manager has made very good signings in pre-season, so expectations are now high throughout the club.

4. Which matches are you most looking forward to going to- and why?

We knocked Ashford United out of the FA Cup last season at their place in a replay and the games were very competitive. Corinthian, Cray Valley, Faversham, Hythe, Ramsgate, Sevenoaks, and Sittingbourne are old foes but our rivals Sheppey last season saw a SCEFL Premier record crowd of 1876 at our ground as we won 2-0, these games are always good.

5. What is your favourite Isthmian away ground?

Beckenham Town as it’s a typical traditional lower non-league crowd with a good atmosphere, I like visiting them.

6. Who do you consider your biggest rivals- and why?

Sheppey as they beat us to the title last season and our games are played with passion in a great atmosphere. The two clubs have great respect for each other and we have been long standing rivals for over 100 years.

7. What advice would you give to any away supporter visiting you for the first time?

Come along and enjoy the facilities which are superb for our level. We’ve made significant ground improvements with new seating in our main stand, new covered terracing behind the goal, new floodlights and Bobbys Bar named after our All-Time Fans favourite player Bobby Harrison (our all-time top goal scorer). Chats supporters love talking with opposition supporters and we have had great rapport with many clubs on match days.

8. Who is your favourite player of all time (for your club)- and why?

Bobby Harrison, scored over 350 goals for the club, was captain, reserve manager, first team coach and even fixture secretary and he died suddenly at the age of 39, he was also voted by the supporters as our greatest player ever with 86% of the vote. I saw him play when I was a teenager and I’ve never seen anyone better during my 58 years following the club.

9. Who do you predict will finish in the top five this season?

Chatham Town, Ramsgate, Ashford United, Sheppey United, Haywards Heath Town

Thanks Pat- right, who's next? If you'd like to represent your club, email Ian at townsendaround@gmail.com and he'll be in touch shortly.

Follow the Pitching In Isthmian League on Instagram. Head here or search for theisthmianleague on your app. We're also on Facebook and Twitter.