Budget cuts force Robbins to bring in local talent

TUNBRIDGE WELLS boss Mike Robbins has challenged local footballers to show they are good enough to play at the Culverden, writes Glenn Garrett.

In the past week Robbins has lost four key first team players as the wheels fall off Wells' promising season.

They have slipped from challenging for the Bulmers Cider Kent League to mid-table mediocrity and, with the playing expense budget reduced, Robbins wants the cream of local talent playing for Tunbridge Wells FC.

"I usually scout other rival Kent Premier League teams but in recent weeks I have been watching lower leagues and local leagues on a Sunday morning," Robbins told the Kent and Sussex Courier today - www.thisiskent.co.uk.

"This has given me a chance to do something slightly earlier than I was planning to do.

"This is the Ramsgate formula, and if we can get the cream of local talent playing at the Culverden it will be good for us and good for local football.

"We have got eight or so weeks left this season and I am challenging local footballers to come along and step up to the plate."

Robbins' playing expense budget was slashed back in January, but the team stuck together to see if they could still challenge for promotion to the Ryman League.

However, last Saturday's 3-1 defeat at home to Croydon, in which Tommy Fuller's goal was the only bright spark, all but put paid to those hopes.

Midfielder Gary Clarke, formerly of Ryman Leaguers Ashford Town, was the first to leave having been given a great opportunity to play in the Blue Square South at Thurrock.

"We are delighted for Gary Clarke," explained Martin Larkin, first team assistant manager, when speaking to www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk.

"He has been training with Blue Square South outfit Thurrock for the last few weeks, and they have decided to have a closer look at him for the rest of the season, which is great news for him.

“It will leave a huge hole in the middle of the park, but it's a great opportunity for him and the boys have all wished him well."

Robbins added: "He has gone with our blessing and we wish him the very best. Hopefully he will do extremely well, but if he doesn't make it, we will be only too pleased to have him back."

Centre-half James Russell has also left the club, joining Erith & Belvedere, Jason Barton has gone to Redhill, while Luke Coleman's loan has ended and he is back at Margate.

However, joining the club is Matt Newman. "Matt – a tall ball-playing midfielder – was previously with Tonbridge Angels," Larkin revealed.

"He trained with us on his return from travelling earlier in the season, but felt he wasn't ready. He has gone away and had an exceptional season in local football winning the West Kent Sunday League, and forging a successful midfield partnership with Joe Fuller in the process – so we have challenged him to recreate that in the Kent League. Matt has fantastic ability, so hopefully the centre of our pitch will dry out so we can see the best of him and Joe."

If you are a hungry local footballer desperate for another shot at playing a higher level, give Robbins a call on 079711 50925.

Article courtesy of The Kent and Sussex Courier - www.thisiskent.co.uk.

Visit Herne Bay’s website:  www.hernebayfc.net

Visit Tunbridge Wells’ website: www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk

Herne Bay v Tunbridge Wells
Bulmers Cider Kent League
Saturday 21^st March 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Winch’s Field, Stanley Gardens, Herne Bay, Kent CT6 5SG