Faversham Town lose striker Jack Harris to Hastings while Glebe sign Horsham defender Ian Varley

FAVERSHAM TOWN boss Ray Turner has confirmed the departures of two players.

Striker Jack Harris, 21, who scored 17 goals for the Lilywhites, who finished in third-place in the Ryman League Division One South last season, has decided to move to league rivals Hastings United.

Harris first made headlines during a successful spell in the Kent League for Tunbridge Wells, before signing for Maidstone United, who originally sent him out on loan to Faversham Town.

Turner told www.favershamtownfc.co.uk today: “We are disappointed to be losing Jack, but unfortunately he received an offer we could not match.

“Additionally, because of where Jack was commuting in from the Tonbridge area, he may find the travelling slightly easier.

“While we are disappointed to see Jack leave, we are not overly concerned at this stage because we already have two established strikers in Dean Grant and Stuart King, while Renford Tenyue has re-committed with the club again.

“Jack’s departure will also present under 21 players like Joe Lester, who I believe is a real prospect, with a chance to prove themselves during pre-season.”

Defender Aidan Sherlock has also left Salters Lane.

Turner said: “Unfortunately, Aidan was finding the travel commitments harder and harder because he has recently moved into the Essex area, so he also won’t be with the club next season.

“Again, I feel the departure of Aidan will present the likes of William Johnson-Cole with the opportunity to prove themselves at first team level, while under 21 goalkeeper Tom Benham can give me a problem in the goalkeeping department.”

Turner also confirmed that some trialists will be given a chance to prove themselves throughout pre-season.

Turner hinted that the bulk of last season’s squad will again be with the club next season.

The Lilywhites open their pre-season campaign with a trip to Lydd Town on Saturday 18 July 2015.

Lydd Town finished in second place in the Kent Invicta League last season.

Meanwhile, former Horsham defender Ian Varley, who lives in Chatham, has signed for Kent Invicta League side Glebe.

Glebe are expected to do big things next season under boss Simon Copley and a new ground in Chislehurst, while Horsham lost their Ryman League Division One South status following relegation.

Manchester born Varley, who is a full-time UEFA B qualified coach, tweeted that he was “delighted to join the Glebe revolution under Simon Copley.”

Glebe chairman Rocky McMillan said: “Ian Varley is going to be joining us as assistant manager and player for next season. He joins Simon Copley following the departure of Trevor Bumstead to Arsenal FC.

“We’re delighted to have a player of Ian’s quality and wealth of experience at Glebe.

“We tried to sign him last year without success. Simon spoke to him recently and convinced him of Glebe’s ambition.

“We feel it’s a great signing and shows the continued progress of the club.

“Further signings will follow shortly.”

Visit Faversham Town’s website: www.favershamtownfc.co.uk

Visit Glebe’s website:  www.pitchero.com/clubs/glebefc