Isthmian South East club Faversham have announced chairman Paul Bennett's surprise decision to stand down.

The news was revealed, just hours after Town had published an end-of-season update to club members and fans from Mr Bennett.

In the initial statement, Mr Bennett said “we look forward to James [Collins, the club's manager] further building the team for the 2022/23 season” as he said Faversham's players “deserve our full appreciation and applause” having finished 12th after an injury-hit campaign.

He also said the Lilywhites are still waiting for Swale council to sign off the latest step of the club’s redevelopment plans, which were first announced in 2014 as part of an ambitious five-step project.

He added: “We are determined to do what we can to push this along as quickly as possible. If all goes well, we will be able to lay the new artificial pitch and develop the ground with a new clubhouse and other top-class facilities.

“The entire junior and youth section will be able to base themselves at the ground for the first time, bringing our ‘One Club Philosophy’ to fruition.

“We are ambitious on and off the pitch, and we are determined to move forward and continue to give everyone in the town a club they can be proud of.”

A brief Faversham statement on 61-year-old Mr Bennett’s departure read: “The board of Faversham Town F.C have today been advised that Paul Bennett has decided, due to personal health, family and business commitments, to stand down as chairman of the club with immediate effect.”

Mr Bennett, of Connect Personnel, replaced Ray Leader as chairman, with Mr Leader having played an instrumental role in Town’s reformation in 2005.

From next season, Faversham Town, who have been ground-sharing with Southern Counties East [SCEFL] Premier Division Canterbury City, will instead ground-share with SCEFL Division 1 neighbours Faversham Strike Force.

The club added a further statement is expected to follow in due course.