Dockers boss O'Boyle brings in Cable

Wednesday 12th May 2010

MANAGER Steve O’Boyle has made his first two signings for Erith and Dartford Town tonight, writes Stephen McCartney.

The club have been given permission from The Football Association to change it’s name from Erith Town and will remain at Erith Sports Stadium at Avenue Road.

The move has come about because of newly appointed chairman - Roy MacNeil - who was the founder and chairman of Dartford Town Football Club - a successful local side that were formed in 1999 and are based at Central Park, Cranford Road, Dartford.

Mr MacNeil, 55, has taken over from long-serving chairman Albert Putman, and his first job in charge was to change the name of the club.

“I’ve got a bit of experience, expertise in the business side, expertise in marketing, players structure, coaching, things like that,” Mr MacNeil told www.kentishfootball.co.uk a couple of months ago.

“My business background is in development. I’m an UEFA B coach myself. We run teams at a local level - I‘ve run Dartford Town Football Club since 2000.

Mr MacNeil obviously means business, as his first signing is prolific striker Rikki Cable, 24, from Ryman League Division One North neighbours Thamesmead Town.

“Manager Steve O’Boyle was delighted to today announce the coup for the Dockers,” said a club statement.

“The exciting forward has had many admirers over the past few seasons and the club and O’Boyle are obviously looking forward to seeing the highly-rated goal getter and goal provider in action.”

O'Boyle told www.erithtown.com: "I'm really pleased to get Rikki, he's a quality player and I'm sure he'll get the goals we need."

O’Boyle has also unveiled the signing of David Hall, 22.

The former Cray Wanderers and Chatham Town defender has Ryman League experience and O’Boyle added: “I am happy to welcome David to the club and looking forward to seeing him do well for us.”

O’Boyle has also unveiled Tony Russell as his new assistant manager, replacing Tony Potts.

He said: “He was Thamesmead’s first team coach last year, has his UEFA coaching licence and has played at Ryman level. All that also brings plenty of contacts.”

The ambitious new chairman has already spoken about his aspirations for next season.

He added: “I would say we’re looking to push forward from this season and challenge next season for (promotion into) the Ryman League.”

Erith Town finished their 30-match Kent League campaign in a disappointing eighth place last season.

The club has aleady announced four home pre-season games - against Tonbridge Angels (21 July), East Grinstead (24 July), Welling United (28 July) and Leatherhead (2 August).

Quotes courtesy of www.erithtown.com