Kane Butler broke into the first team squad at Winch’s Field last season. Kane crowned an impressive season scoring the winning goal for Kent Schools in the National Cup Final at The Ricoh Stadium, Coventry. Ben Kitcherside is a promising young goalkeeper who also played for the Kent Schools side at the Ricoh.

Praising the achievements of the u18s last season Sam Denly told them, “You are the future of Herne Bay Football Club. This is a great club to be at. We will not be going out and spending big money on players from outside. We are committed to growing the club from within and if you work hard you will get opportunities to play at the higher level.”

On the award of playing contracts to Kitcherside, Butler and Brown (see previous article on this website), Denly said, “these lads have earned their contracts, they are the future of the club and this shows all the youngsters in the local area that this is a football club that will give them a chance. I know that other clubs in the area have been chasing Herne Bay’s youngsters, and my first team players and management team too, but everyone here is committed to the football club and all apart from one have decided to stay for next season. I’m looking forward to it already and can’t wait to get started.”