Faversham pull off Walker coup

FAVERSHAM TOWN manager Justin Luchford says bringing Clive Walker in as coach is a “massive boost,” writes Stephen McCartney.

The vastly-experienced Walker was installed as first team coach last Tuesday, following Jimmy Strouts decision to retire from the game and Kevin Metcalf’s decision to also leave, to become manager of struggling Bulmers Cider Kent League side Lordswood.

Walker quickly showed his coaching credentials in his first game yesterday when Faversham Town went into the break 1-0 down to Slade Green, before five second half goals sealed a 5-2 home win.

“It was a very good victory,” Luchford told www.kentishfootball.co.uk this afternoon. “I thought Slade Green were a very good side, arguably the best side we’ve faced.

“The first half they were more than worthy of their 1-0 lead at half-time. We were lucky to get in only 1-0 (down).

“We changed formation and it paid dividends second half.”

Walker has in recent years managed the likes of Chatham Town and Dover Athletic and assisted Maidstone United boss Lloyd Hume following Alan Walker’s freak accident in Belfast, last season.

“It’s a massive coup for the club,” admits Luchford. “He’s experience is something we need and will help the younger lads.

“For me it gives me the opportunity to manage the team and Clive to get on to coach and that we’re set up right game to game. It’s just a massive boost to the club.”

Now sixth in the Bulmers Cider Kent League table with five wins and three defeats from eight league games - ten points behind leaders Holmesdale, although the Lilywhites have two games in hand - Luchford is pleased with their current position.

“I’m definitely happy,” he said. “We said at the start we wanted to be in the top eight and I think we’re showing we’re a top eight side.

“The only problem at the moment is consistency. We’re not consistent, we have to rectify that and we’ve got a chance to put that right quite quickly on Tuesday.”

This is a big night for the Bulmers Cider Kent League with league leaders, Holmesdale at home to eleventh placed side Croydon.

And second placed side, Hythe Town, who are two points behind the Bromley based side, with a game in hand, travel to Salters Lane, and Luchford is looking forward to the game against his former club.

“It will be our toughest game of the season, without a doubt,” said Luchford.

“I’m good friends with (Hythe manager) Paul Fisk, he has a very good side and has shown their intent as they’re then only side not to have lost this year.

“They’ll come to us looking to go top. For me it’s a massive game to see how far we’ve come in the last six months.

“It’ll be a great test for us, all the lads are looking forward to it. There’s a few lads who used to play down there.

“As long as we compete and work hard then I’m sure we’ll be ok.”

Visit Faversham Town’s website: www.favershamtownfc.co.uk

Faversham Town v Hythe Town
Bulmers Cider Kent League
Tuesday 21^st October 2008
Kick Off 7:45pm
At Salters Lane, Faversham, Kent ME13 8ND