16thjune05

Backroom changes at two Kent League clubs

WHITSTABLE TOWN manager Matt Toms has admitted he is delighted that coach Simon Halsey has joined the Belmont club from their Kent League rivals, VCD Athletic, writes Stephen McCartney.

"What impressed me about Simon, apart from the fact he is a really good, UEFA B qualified coach, was his loyalty to VCD," Toms told the club's website.

"I wanted him last season, we sat down and talked before last season began and agreed he would see out the remainder of his agreement then we would talk this closed season.

"We've had our talks and he's met with Simon Kay (reserve team manager) to get feedback on his younger players, who are looking to press for a first team place.

"Simon (who resides in Rainham) gets on well with Marc Seager and Mark Lane, he knows all the senior players at the club already.  He's watched us play a few times last season and we meet up socially as well as on the pitch and the difference he will bring to the team is what I was looking for to move the club forward.

"If you look at all the really successful sides it's the backroom boys who make the difference and we now have the staff to build on last year.

"Simon likes to play the style of attacking football Whitstable played last season, but at the same time he wants us to improve our defensive record.

"I am looking forward to him joining us when we start our pre-season training shortly."

VCD Athletic have confirmed their new backroom staff for the coming season to replace Whitstable bound Halsey and physio Peter Burke, who has been appointed by Thamesmead Town as their joint-manager of their under 18 side.

Former VCD, Bromley and Dartford defender, Dean Frost (who was VCD's reserve team manager after leaving Hayes Lane last season) has been appointed the club's new first team coach and assistant manager to work alongside boss Martin Ford and coach Ray Ward.

Peter Webb, who had a short spell at Bayliss Avenue last season, has been appointed as the new first team physio, whilst former Millwall goalkeeping coach, Terry Jessop will take up the same role at the club.

Ford will announce details of their new reserve team management team later in the week.