Styles starts a revolution

New boss Richard Styles has set about changing “everything” at Whitstable. Styles left Tunbridge Wells to take charge at the Belmont following Town’s relegation from Isthmian South East.

Big changes were needed and Styles has made his mark as Whitstable look to rebuild in Southern Counties East.

“From the club’s point of view, it’s one step backwards to take forwards,” said Styles, who’s also managed Lordswood.

“Last year was a horrific year on the pitch and we had to come in and pick the pieces up. “There’s a lot going on at the club, with the new 3G going in, and a proactive board who have a plan in place, and we need to set the team up and find a philosophy and a way of playing that matches all the good work going on off the pitch.

“A lot went wrong last year, we’ve learned that ever since we took the job, and we’ve tried to pick up the pieces and change the mindset, the philosophy, the culture - change everything really. “That doesn’t happen overnight, it takes time, but that’s what we’ve got to do.

“I’ve kept the players I wanted to, no one wanted to leave, but a team that finishes bottom of the Isthmian League doesn’t win the SCEFL, so changes had to be made, and they’ve been made. “We’ve brought in boys who will strengthen us and, at the same time, there’s an array of youth players coming through chomping at the bit for a shirt.” Whitstable lost 2-1 at Kings Hill in their opening friendly at the weekend, Styles taking the chance to mix his side about. They defeated Rochester 5-1 on Tuesday night and continue pre-season at Larkfield & New Hythe on Saturday and Staplehurst on Tuesday.

The Oystermen have been drawn at Three Bridges in the FA Cup extra preliminary round on August 6, with a home tie against Deal or Egham awaiting the winners on August 20.

The FA Vase first qualifying round sees Whitstable travel to Westside on August 27, with the winners away to Sporting Bengal or Seaford on September 24.