Isthmian South East club Faversham Town name former player Gary Smart as new chairman

A former player has been named as Faversham Town’s new chairman.

Gary Smart, of Smart Office Solutions Ltd, returned to Salters Lane a year ago and will lead a re-shaped board after a period of uncertainty.

Isthmian South East outfit Town were left without a chairman and manager this month, with former chairman Paul Bennett - and then manager James Collins - both leaving.

Former director Marc Leader, son of ex-chairman Ray, will return to the board as vice-chairman to support Mr Smart who agreed a three-year partnership with the club last May - which the Lilywhites confirmed was their biggest ever.

A club statement on Thursday evening read: “Faversham Town have tonight confirmed local businessman Gary Smart as the new chairman.

“Town supporter Gary, whose print management supply company Smart Office Solutions already sponsors the club’s shirts, will lead a re-shaped board following Paul Bennett’s recent decision to stand down.

“Former director Marc Leader will return to the board as vice-chairman along with Dean Kent, a local businessman who has supported the club for many years and [who] previously coached a Faversham Town youth team.

“Paul Ramsden has also joined the board, while Wendy Walker remains club secretary and Keith Chilvers continues his role as director of youth development.

“The club is pleased that Richard Parry and Steve Hall will also stay with the club to oversee the club’s ambitious ground development plans.”

Faversham also gave an update on their search for a new boss, with Collins having left for Isthmian Premier Bowers & Pitsea recently.

“The search for a new manager has already begun, with interviews of candidates shortlisted from the many applicants starting shortly,” the statement continued.

“Wit