Defender Matt turns down Bourne - EXCLUSIVE

SITTINGBOURNE manager Gary Abbott has revealed that he’s just missed out on signing Matt Bourne, who was one of five players released by Dover Athletic at the end of the season, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Bourne Park boss has EXCLUSIVELY revealed that the former Chatham Town defender has opted for a move to their Ryman League Division One South rivals Folkestone Invicta.

“I did try to sign Matt Bourne from Dover but he’s actually signed for Folkestone,” Abbott revealed when speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight.

“He phoned me last night so I’m a bit gutted about that. I’m speaking to someone now, he’ll get back to me tomorrow, he’s a centre half, and we’re trying to get a striker."

Abbott admitted that he couldn't match the offer from their rivals from Cheriton Road, who were relegated from the Ryman Premier League on the last day of the season.

He said: “I had him for two hours the other night at Sittingbourne, he was keen to play but we couldn’t get him money wise - he would have been a great signing for us.”

Abbott, meanwhile, revealed that he’ll have the services of Kieran Marsh next season, following his stint travelling.

“We’re talking to players about coming for pre-season,” said Abbott. “Me and (assistant) Richard Brady are meeting with someone now.

“If we get the players we want, on paper it looks a good side.

“Kieran Marsh, he’s coming back to us from travelling. If we can keep the players we’ve got, it’s looking good.

“We’re talking to a striker in a minute, we just going to see what we’ve got at pre-season.”

Abbott is hoping to unearth a gem when he casts his eye over numerous trialists during pre-season.

But he warns that he is unable to offer potential new signings lucrative packages.

He said: “We have to say to people you’re coming here to play football. This isn’t the club for you if you want money.

“I’ve got good feedback about the centre half, he wants money but not loads of money and he said he’ll sign for us tomorrow.

“I need to have a quick word with the chairman and if we agree we’ll sign him over the weekend.”

Abbott has a shopping list ahead of the new campaign.

“Everyone knows we need a target man,” he said. “Bradley Spice does a job up there but he’s happy on the right.

“We’re trying to get a left-sided player but we’ve got a couple of names but there not the people we want.

“We’ve got a couple of left-sided players and go from there, it’s just a waiting game.

“You do get trialists down pre-season - you’re never going to turn people away from us as you may find a gem.”

Sittingbourne have already announced six pre-season friendlies, starting with home games against Welling United (17^th July); Fisher Athletic (22^nd July) and Faversham Town, to contest the Bob Amor Trophy, 26^th July).

Abbott then takes his side to Thamesmead Town on 31^st July before Broxbourne Borough visit Bourne Park on 2^nd August before a trip through the Dartford tunnel two days later to play Aveley, who, like Thamesmead play in Ryman One North.

Visit Sittingbourne’s website: www.sittingbournefc.co.uk