12thjuly05

Tuesday 12th July 2005

Wells looking to earn their spurs
EXCLUSIVE

The head coach at Kentish Observer League club Tunbridge Wells has confirmed some impressive new signings, writes Stephen McCartney.

Former Ashford Town coach, Martin Telford, has added to their squad as the club gears up to its prestigious friendly at home to Nationwide Conference outfit Grays Athletic on Thursday, 21st July.

The ambitious Culverden Stadium outfit are pleased to announce they haven't lost any players from last season's squad, which finished the Kent League campaign in seventh place.

However, amongst the new players are midfielder Glen Payne and strikers Dave Laws and David Batt.

Payne, whose father has also been confirmed as the club's under 18 coach, was previously with the youth academy at Tottenham Hotspur.

He left White Hart Lane due to a knee injury but is pleased to be making his come back with the West Kent club.

Batt was top scorer in the first division of the Kent League last season, playing for Cray Wanderers' reserve side.

His haul of 21 goals meant an average in the league of about a goal a game every time he pulled on the amber shirt.

Tunbridge Wells boss Kevin Metcalf, and Telford continue to talk to a number of other high profile targets and hope to have completed more signatures before Grays' visit.

In an EXCLUSIVE interview with www.kentishfootball.co.uk last night, Metcalf said: "There are a couple more players training with us at the moment."

And speaking about his three new signings, he added: "These three young lads will make excellent additions to the squad."

The former Canterbury City and Tenterden Town boss has high hopes for David Batt.

"He's proved his worth in division one, so we are going to look at him at a higher level.

"Looking at him in training I'll definitely say he's a forward - we will give him a go during pre-season."

Metcalf is waiting to hear from a midfielder to see if he will join up with the squad.

"There's another three, one a top player, whose been training with us.

"He is on holiday this week and he will make a decision when he comes back off holiday," Metcalf revealed.

Grays Athletic won the FA Trophy, which now stands alongside the Nationwide Conference South championship trophy in their boardroom at Bridge Road.

Wells could not have found a sterner test for their opening friendly, which kicks off at Culverden Stadium at 7:45pm.

"We are happy with the squad, making two or three additions, will hopefully bare well for the coming season," the manager added.