Farnie swoops for Winter-Nolan - EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Chatham Town boss Phil Miles has repaid a favour by allowing his second choice goalkeeper Glen Winter-Nolan to go out on a month’s loan to Kent League side Tunbridge Wells, writes Stephen McCartney.

The 23-year-old has been second choice to John Whitehouse, who incidentally moved to Chatham from the Culverden Stadium outfit.

Tunbridge Wells boss Martin Farnie, whose been playing 58-year-old Alan Rogers in between the sticks whilst James Simpson has been injured, prompted Miles to sign the highly-rated Whitehouse during the close season when the former Greenwich Borough and Ashford Town goalkeeper impressed throughout last term.

And Miles has given Winter-Nolan a chance to shine during an initial one-month loan spell under Farnie, with the view to a permanent signing if all parties are happy.

“Martin Farnie phoned me up as he was in need of a goalkeeper,” Miles explained EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight.

“Glen was with me when I done the reserves at Chatham and he’s been my number two this year but obviously with John Whitehouse playing well, he’s not had so much football.

“I told Glen that it would be good experience for him to go out on loan, for a month initially, and if everyone is happy for that to be extended, I’ve got no problems with that.

“If all parties are happy if could be as long as possible. If Martin likes him, and Glen is happy playing there, Glen can be there for as long as he likes but we will assess it after the first month.”

A whole host of clubs approached Whitehouse during the summer months but Miles was pleased that he opted to move to Maidstone Road.

“I spoke to Martin, who recommended John to me,” recalled Miles. “He spoke highly of him but Martin Farnie knew John wanted to play at a higher standard and fortunately for me Martin pushed John my way.

“If I can help Martin out as much as I can, I will do. I am more than happy with John but Glen needs to get some experience under his belt and he can get that experience playing for Tunbridge Wells in the Kent League.”

Miles, meanwhile, has targeted six points from their next two games, against two struggling sides.

Basement boys Corinthian Casuals, who won their only league game at Molesey back in August, visit Maidstone Road on Saturday before Miles takes his side to second from bottom side Whyteleafe next Tuesday.

All Whyteleafe’s four league wins this season have come away from home but Miles has warned against complacency.

Looking ahead to Corinthian Casuals’ visit, Miles said: “Obviously we need to be on the top of our game and don’t take it lightly because their bottom.

“It’s a home game and we look to win our home games and get what we can away. We go to Whyteleafe on Tuesday and they are big games for us to be fair.

“We are looking to go on a run similar to the likes of Horsham (YMCA), Hastings and Molesey because I do believe, and I’ve said it before, if you can put on a good run together of three or four good wins, it could push you up ten places in this league.

“It’s important to pick up as many points as possible because on paper we’re playing the bottom two sides but as the league has already proven it doesn’t matter who you are playing, anybody can pick up points against anybody.”

Midfielder Steve Best serves his one-match suspension on Saturday.

Visit club websites:

www.chathamtownfc.net

www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk

Chatham Town v Corinthian Casuals
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 6^th January 2007
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Maidstone Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 6ES