Kent's youngest football chairman Stuart Fitchie, of Herne Bay FC, on club's growing success and his 'Abramofitch' nickname

At the age of 29, Stuart Fitchie became reportedly the youngest football club chairman in Kent history when he ascended to the role at Herne Bay.

But in a short time the energetic leader - who diehard fans have dubbed “Abramofitch” - has made waves around the coastal town.

With a background in banking and a childhood steeped in the beautiful game, the millennial was confident in his ability to take on the top job.

But not everyone in the non-league football world has been willing to take him at face value.

“There’s been instances when I’ve gone to away games and they’ve refused to accept that I’m the chairman and denied me entry to the boardroom,” Stuart recalled.

“But what I’ve got on my side is that I understand the way the world works, I wouldn’t say better than someone of age, but I’ve got a youthful mindset.

“I’m in a time in my life that I really want to progress and push on. I’m ready to take risks.”

In early 2019 the club was in trouble.

Having played for Herne Bay’s reserves and knowing people involved in the running of the side, Stuart was invited to a series of meetings.

“I went out of curiosity to see what the main people that were taking over the club were saying and if I could offer my thoughts,” he said.

“But as discussions went on, it seemed like, for their own reasons, people were saying they couldn’t commit and wanted to step away.

“I fully believed in my own abilities to be chairman, but I didn’t want to be bullish because I did still feel a bit like an outsider.

“We were sat round a table and I asked the question, ‘Who’s gonna be chairman?’

“I looked around the room and there were a lot of blank faces, so I said, ‘Well I’ll do it.’”

I'm speaking with Stuart on a bright Monday afternoon. We’re inside