With Whitstable Town’s first competitive fixture of the new season arriving tomorrow (Saturday 8th August), we can now provide supporters with a full update on the first-team squad following a busy summer at the Belmont.

It has been a summer of significant change for the Oystermen, with manager Lee Martin, assistant manager Brian Statham, coach Sean Hill and the rest of the management team assembling their squad for their first season in charge.

Since arriving at the club, they have been busy shaping the group for the campaign ahead, bringing together a mixture of familiar faces, returning Oystermen and new additions ahead of the start of competitive action.

A number of new arrivals have already been announced over recent weeks, while several familiar faces have remained at the club. Today, we can confirm six further additions to the squad: Jefferson Aibangbee, Nathan Green, Jack Hanson, Jack Hillier, Benji Oladapo-Gamu and Manny Ogunrinde.

For both Aibangbee and Hanson, it represents a return to familiar surroundings, with both players having previously represented Whitstable Town.

Their additions complete the current first-team group of 25 players.

A Summer of Change

The new-look squad follows a considerable amount of movement at the Belmont since the conclusion of a memorable 2025/26 campaign.

A number of last season’s squad have moved on during the summer, with the majority having made the switch to Margate.

There have been other departures too, and we know supporters will particularly remember the contributions of some familiar faces from last season.

Among those moving elsewhere are Dean Grant, who has joined Hollands & Blair, and Fin Cotton, who has moved to Ramsgate.

The club would like to place on record its thanks to every player who has departed Whitstable Town this summer for their efforts and contribution during their time at the Belmont.

Whether they were with us for several seasons or only a short period, they all played their part in what was an unforgettable period for the club, and we wish them all the very best for the future... except against us!

A New Chapter Begins

Attention now turns firmly towards competitive football and the beginning of a new chapter at the Belmont.

Tomorrow will mark the first competitive fixture for Lee Martin and his management team, and the first opportunity for the squad they have assembled over the summer to take to the pitch when it matters.

There are plenty of new faces for supporters to get to know alongside some familiar ones, and we look forward to seeing this new-look Whitstable Town side represent the club throughout the campaign.

After a summer of change, recruitment and preparation, the talking is almost over.

The squad is assembled. A new era is ready to begin. Now, it’s time for the football.