Chatham Town captain Jack Evans has announced that he’s moving on to a new challenge.

Evans, 32, described captaining Chats as “an honour” and he leaves the club after making close to 200 appearances and scoring 100 goals.

The former Gillingham professional, who rose through the ranks at the Football League club before playing a handful of games, played for the likes of Sutton United, Eastbourne and Maidstone.

He spent a season at Folkestone before moving to Chatham in 2019, scoring 20 goals in his debut season, which was cut short due to Covid.

Evans was a key player as Chats enjoyed back-to-back promotions, finishing runners-up in the SCEFL Premier Division before then helping them to Isthmian South East success.

He swept the board in the 2022/23 season awards, winning the golden boot with 26 goals, picking up the supporters’ player-of-the-season award and also being named Isthmian South East player-of-the-season.

As captain, he came close to another promotion, with Chats just missing out in the Isthmian play-offs in 23/24. This past season, the club were off the pace, coming on strong late in the campaign but, ultimately, missing out on the promotion play-offs.

He confirmed his Chats exit on social media, saying he had decided it was “time for a new challenge” and that “it has been an honour to captain this club and to lead the players” over the past seasons.

He wrote: “To the players and staff, from league titles, promotions and cup wins to lots of individual awards along the way, it’s been a pleasure to share all the times with you!

“Thanks to all of you for making my time so enjoyable.

“After 195 games, 100 goals and countless memories made, it’s time for something new.

“I would like to thank all the amazing supporters and every one associated with the club for their unbelievable support since I have been at Chatham Town.

“I wish everyone involved all the very best in the future.

“Now it’s time to look forward, feeling excited, really fit and fresh and can’t wait to start again in July at my new club.”