Dockers fight off competition to land Shinners

Monday 28th June 2010

ERITH & DARTFORD Town boss Steve O’Boyle has unveiled the signing of striker Billy Shinners from rivals Sevenoaks Town, writes Stephen McCartney.

The 20-year-old was the find of the season last term, scoring 18 Kent League competition goals for Simon Jones’ side, but he has agreed terms to sign for the Dockers.

Sevenoaks are now under new management as Jones has since been released by former Welling United first team coach, Keith Levett.

Beckenham Town striker, Gary Gorman, who arrived at Eden Park Avenue from Kent County League side Orpington last summer, collected the Golden Boot, after scoring 20 goals last season, followed by Shinners and Greenwich Borough marksman, Danny Hunt.

O’Boyle told the club’s website that Shinners “had a number of clubs chasing his signature.”

He said: “I am really happy he has signed. Billy is only 20-years-old and last season was his first full season in the Kent League where he finished runner-up in the Golden Boot.

“He is a good young forward who will score plenty of goals for the Dockers this season.”

Shinners will join his new team-mates when the Dockers report for pre-season training tomorrow night.

O’Boyle, meanwhile, has unveiled his new reserve side management team.

James Collins, 27, has been appointed as reserve team manager, with Mark Banks, also 27, his assistant manager.

Collins has previously played for Phoenix Sports, Bromleans, and VCD Athletic reserves, although he managed minnows Leabridge to Kent Cup glory and finishing runners-up in the top-flight of the Orpington and Bromley District Sunday Football League last season.

Banks was the skipper of Leabridge last season, and has also turned out for Ashford Town and Whyteleafe.

The pair will work closely with O’Boyle and his assistant Tony Russell, to develop the reserve side, that will play in Kent League Division One.

Visit Erith & Dartford Town’s website: www.clubwebsite.co.uk/dartfordtownfootballclub