Deres keep faith with Gorman after Cosgrove resignation

Friday 17th July 2009

ERITH & BELVEDERE chairman John McFadden insists he is happy with his current management team, despite losing the services of Chris Cosgrove yesterday, writes Stephen McCartney.

Cosgrove stepped down from his role as first team manager following a meeting with club officials at the Kent League club.

Speaking in a statement issued to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight, Mr McFadden says he is keeping faith with Paul Gorman and newly appointed number two, Richie Radbourne.

“Thanks for the phone calls, I don’t need a manager,” he said. “I’m staying with the manager that I’ve already got and the future looks bright with the current management set-up.

The Scot added: “There is no disagreement between Mr Cosgrove and Erith & Belvedere Football Club and the club would like to thank Chris for his efforts during his reign as manager.

“We wish Chris well in his future endeavours and we look forward to welcoming Cossie back to Park View Road in the near future.”

Gorman has been busy preparing for the new league season, which kicks off on 8th August, and confirmed the players that are staying at the club.

“Pre-season preparations are going well,” he told www.kentishfootball.co.uk, on the eve of his side’s game at Cray Valley.

Matthew Bedford; Nathan Bell; Matt Bromby; Huseyin Budak; Mitch Crawley; Adrian Deane; Andy Doerr; Paul Gross; Tommy Martin and Sam Prett have all decided to stay loyal to the club.

Defenders Aaron Burrett (Herne Bay) and Danny Tipple (Whitstable Town) have arrived from Kent coastal clubs and Gorman has high hopes for striker Louis Collins.

“You keep your eyes open about Louis Collins,” he said. “He’s from Waltham Abbey, he’s only 18, he’s a centre forward or a winger. He looks and plays like Ronaldo.

“He’s a friend of Matt Bedford, he just came up for pre-season, needed a change and he’s like lightening.

“We’re looking to bring in two or three players to strengthen the squad. We’re still talking (to new players) and I’m optimistic this year with the actual squad so far and I’m pleased.”

However, one player to leave the club is striker Aiden Pursglove, who has returned to Kent League rivals Hythe Town.

“You’re talking about people like Faversham and Hythe, you’re talking about (them having a big wage bill),” said Gorman.

“That’s why Aiden’s gone back to Hythe because he was promised a good wage.”

With games approaching against higher league opponents in Tonbridge Angels (Tuesday, 21 July) and Andy Ford’s Welling United seven days later, Gorman is pleased with the upbeat atmosphere at Park View Road.

“Tonbridge Angels on Tuesday, we’ll stroll that one. We’ll have a stroll on that one, we’ll beat them,” he said confidently.

“We’ve got Welling in a couple of weeks. I’m up for it, I’m up for it against Fordy any time.”

He added: “It’s a very good atmosphere. I’ve been at Erith for about three years now and I’ve never had an atmosphere like it.

“Everyone’s buzzing, the bars always full, it’s helping with what we’re doing here. The boys are loving it, loving playing at the moment, they’re enjoying it.

“I can’t wait for the season to start, I’m really looking forward to it.”

Visit Erith & Belvedere’s website: www.erithandbelvederefc.co.uk