Been a while, and Ian Pulman in shock promotion.

Sorry I've been away. I couldn't be bothered to be frank. It was becoming a tad tedious, both on the pitch and off.

As you probably know, we finished in the relegation spots, but were reprieved thanks to the financial stupidity of other teams, and will compete in the Ryman 1 North next season. This is of course great news, and we'll be travelling to Ware, my favourite away trip, as well as Needham Market, Sudbury and Leiston which are all in Suffolk. We'll win the league. I said it. Nothing wrong with some early optimism.

In other news, Kevin Watson, 29, is our new manager. He managed to get 7 points from 9 in our last three games, and it was nearly 100% and a mental play off to stay up if not for the heroics of Bognor's keeper in the dying minutes. He's announced three signings, two of last year's squad and a newbie. Brad Potter (now skipper) and Adam Molloy remain, and we're joined by exciting Tunbridge Wells winger John Pilbeam, who scored 11 last season and fed a front line which netted nearly 50. All positive.

Going back to the old school, many Chats fans would be forgiven for not remembering Ian Pulman playing for us. It was about five years ago, and he didn't have a very good time at Chatham. Those who do recall him will be shocked to hear that his star is that much in the ascent that he has moved to Eastbourne Borough - yes, the big team in Eastbourne - the Conference South side in Eastbourne. Can Ian Pulman go on to be the next in a line of former Chats to go on to much greater things (well, the third after George Boyd and Danny Kedwell) ? Lets hope he does.

Pre season games are announced and on the website - Welling United at home on the 6th being the biggest draw, as well as derbies against both Brickingbourne and Maidstone. Can we charge Maidstone a tenner, as that's what they're charging for home games in the R1S next season? Please - its apparently to pay off their VAT bill - why clubs can't manage to pay the tax man whilst chasing success I'll never know. The state of non league finances puts many of the pro clubs to shame. Again, a reminder of all that's good about the Chats, we never spend money we don't have, and I'll take a million relegation battles over the shame of cheating.