Chatham Town are expecting big crowds again in the Isthmian Premier after bumper season-ticket sales.

The Isthmian South East champions had an average gate of more than 1,000 during their title-winning campaign - with 2,540 inside the Bauvill Stadium to watch the promotion battle against Kent rivals Ramsgate.

Chats can look forward to welcoming Margate and Folkestone to their Maidstone Road ground next season while well supported sides further afield like Horsham and Hastings are sure to bring good followings with them.

Sales of season tickets at Chatham are up by more than 70% heading into 2023/24 and chairman/manager Kevin Hake is thrilled to see the side being backed so well.

“It’s a great boost to the club,” said Hake.

“It will be great to see the Bauvill packed again after the amazing levels of support we had last season.

“To attract crowds of over 2,500 is just a dream and an average of over 1,000 makes us one of the top supported teams in Kent.

“It’s no coincidence we have the second-best home record in country with the overwhelming support we get.”

Chatham’s last home league defeat came in October 2021. They won all of their other matches that season on the way to finishing runners-up in the Southern Counties East Premier Division and earning promotion to the Isthmian League.

Hake’s men played another 19 home games during the last season without defeat but will have bigger challenges ahead as they step up again.

He said: “We know we face tough opposition in the Isthmian Premier as the likes of Dulwich (relegated from the National South), Billericay and Hastings have similar support which will make for a great atmosphere both home and away.

“I know a lot of our supporters will have a keen eye on the Bognor game as they plan a similar weekend away to when we faced Littlehampton!

“It’s great to see smiles on faces of both old and young who follow us all round the south of England and both myself

and the players really appreciate it.

“We always go over to them to offer our thanks after the games win, lose or draw as it’s them who are paying their hard- earned money to watch us play.”

Season-ticket holders get into friendly matches for free this summer. Chats will host Charlton on Tuesday, August 8 and before that take on Gillingham on Friday, July 14.

Season tickets were frozen at £150 for an adult for those purchasing before June 1. More fixtures will be announced shortly along with player news.

Experienced campaigner Andy Drury has already left the club to take on a player-coaching role at Folkestone while midfielder Billy Bennett has joined SCEFL Premier side Faversham Town.

Striker Dan Bradshaw has also moved on after re-joining former side Sheppey United while right-back Ike Orji will join up with Gillingham.

*Anyone wishing to purchase a Chatham season ticket can contact the club on 01634 401130 or email keiranjones@chathamtownfc