JACK EVANS: THE SKY IS THE LIMIT

Chatham Town skipper, Jack Evans, recently sat down with the club to discuss our start to the 2023/24 season and he believes the sky is the limit in terms of what the club are able to achieve this season.

“I think on the whole it’s been a positive start. If you had told us we’d be within a point off the top of the table at this stage we’d be delighted.” He said.

“Another positive is that we all believe there is still lots more to give and improve on – so to be in the position that we’re in and with that mindset can only be a good thing.

“I know it’s cliché but I truly believe the club is capable of achieving whatever it wants to this season. We have everything in place so it’s now down to us players and staff to meet those standards.

“It’s important to pay the respect to our opponents and we’ve already learned quickly this season that if you take your foot off the gas you get punished at this level. We know the level we need to be at to maintain our own standards and that’s what we strive to do.”

Of course it hasn’t all been pretty with the Chats suffering an early Emirates FA Cup exit.

“Of course an FA Cup run would have been great but we came up against a good Ramsgate side and we had an off day. These things can happen but we were all bitterly disappointed.”

“We hope to make up for that in other cup competitions with every chance in the Kent Senior Cup and FA Trophy, which are both underway next week.

The Chats inflicted more quality in the transfer market as the club reached the highest level in its 141-year history and Evans believes the club’s new additions have already played their part in the early stages whilst still crediting the core of the side.

“The new signings have been great – they’ve all come in and played their part and you can definitely tell they’ve all bought into the idea of what we want to do.”

“All different characters but came in and added quality and freshness in their own way.

“The boys who have stayed put with us from last year have been equally as important with keeping the standards and it’s brilliant for me, as the captain, knowing that I don’t have to continually be the only voice. I know others are also doing that and making a difference.

“As a group we have that winning feeling still with us together from last year and hopefully that mentality peels off and helps drive the new players we have at the club on again.”

The midfielder has four goals so far this season with the away feat at Dulwich standing out, beating the Isthmian Premier Division side 5-2 at Champion Hill in front of 2,000.

“On a personal note I am enjoying this season. I’m playing and gelling with new players and have taken up a number of different and new roles within the squad.”

“I set myself high standards for goal and assist contributions, as well as creativity and so far I believe I am affecting the games in a positive way.

“Dulwich of course stands out which was a massive game against a big club at this level, so let’s hope there are many more feelings like that to come.

As Tuesday night’s Kent Senior Cup tie at home to Tonbridge Angels beckons, Evans insists last season’s final heart-break is added motivation this time around.

“Of course it hurt us and that will serve as huge encouragement for us in all cup competitions, not just the Kent Senior Cup.”

“But aside from that, the occasion, the support and the build-up is already always enough to get us up for it with the supporters always acting as our twelfth man. The new lads feel that too.

“All every player wants to do is compete and play in finals and big occasions. That’s what we do it for – to make history and create new memories. I can’t wait to see you all at Bauvill supporting us again on Tuesday.” He finished.

You can buy your tickets for Tuesday night’s clash in advance here. Or turnstiles will still be in operation with cash and card accepted as usual. As this is a FA competition, season ticket holders do not get in free of charge.