Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Taking on the challenge
Dennis Hughes says Tankerton’s ambitions on and off the pitch won him over and were the reason why he has taken on the challenge to revive the club’s fortunes.
The 60-year-old UEFA B qualified coach, a self employed carpenter, who lives at Barming near Maidstone, was looking for a new challenge after two seasons as chairman of Maidstone League side Wateringbury.
Hughes, whose playing career included Arsenal where he played in the youth team and reserves, Brighton, Leyton Orient and Stevenage, managed at Hastings and Eastbourne earlier in his career as well as at Lydd and several other clubs in Kent and Sussex.
He said: “I am more of a touchline man, rather than in the background and put my name out there.
“The former chairman Tim Elgar got in touch asking if I would be interested but I wondered at first whether it was for me. He persisted and when he told me about their plans for the future, it grew on me and I took over last month.”
Tankerton aim to build on a site in Swalecliffe, which will include nine pitches and dressing room facilities.
New chairman Dan Croft, managing director of Whitstable based Moments Fostering who has taken over from Elgar, still heavily involved as chairman of the club’s trustees, said: “Planning permission has been submitted and we have had over 100 positive comments so far,
“We have been talking to the Kent FA and Kent County Council, and have also had a letter of endorsement from the Football Association, which we are forwarding to Canterbury City Council.”
“We are also looking to start walking football, girls’ football and powerchair football.”
The club will be seeking re-election to the NRG Gym Kent County League at the annual meeting later this month, having finished bottom of Division 3 East last season, conceding 141 goals.
Meanwhile, two members of the team, Daniel Manock and Matthew Bowey, were named the Kent County League’s personalities-ofthe-year at the annual dinner in Maidstone on Saturday.
Both played in every one of the 20 games during the season and were recognised for their commitment to the club and the league.
The citation read: “Sometimes these days maybe this can prove difficult, perhaps even more difficult when a team loses almost every week, however, there are still those that show their full commitment both to their team and to the Kent County League.
“They epitomise the ethos of our league through dedication in training and eagerness to improve and work in the best interests of the club – both real characters taking pride in their club’s fortunes.”
The award was presented by Kent FA vice-president and FA Council member Philip Smith.
Hughes is holding first team trials at Seaview Park in Whitstable on Sunday week (June 19) between 1pm and 3pm, his first chance to meet the club’s players.
Anyone interested is welcome – call Dennis on 07936 177935 for more information.