One thing I did say to Kieron Campbell was has he got space in his trophy cabinet for the honours that we’re going for next season with the squad we are compiling for him to play with, says Faversham Town chairman Gary Smart

FAVERSHAM TOWN chairman Gary Smart insists the club will be going for honours in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division next season.

The Lilywhites suffered the embarrassment of relegation from the Isthmian League South East Division with one of the highest budgets in the division last season and will be playing in the ninth-tier of English football next term.

Manager Sammy Moore has retained the services of former Herne Bay winger Kieron Campbell and has enticed left-back Jake McIntyre to leave Isthmian League South East Division runners-up Ramsgate.

Earlier signings include, defenders Matthew Newman and Josh Vincent (Folkestone Invicta), former Hastings United midfielder Sam Hasler, midfielder Mo Kamara and former Ashford United striker Gary Lockyer.

Chairman Smart said in a statement: “After sitting down with Kieron at the end of the season with Sammy and the coaching team, we had a debrief of last season and with the new plan for the next season.

“We outlined the pay structure for the players and the fact that the budget will be cut, but I personally believe the biggest stumbling block was for KC (Campbell) was to accept that he would be playing a league below next season.

“Once KC got his head round that element, we spoke on the phone later that week, he told me that he will be committing to Faversham Town Football Club for the new season.

“His reasons were that he felt he was part of the team that got relegated last year and that he had unfinished business at Faversham Town and wanted to do his part in bringing the club back up next season, that in itself was enough and all we wanted to hear from Kieron.

“He is a top player, great attitude and a really nice guy as well.

“We all believe he could play at a higher level next season and also probably for more money, but the fact that he wants to bring Faversham straight back up and he sees the commitment from the club along with the players that will be playing around him next year, we are delighted that he is staying for the 2023-24 season.

“One thing I did say to Kieron was has he got space in his trophy cabinet for the honours that we’re going for next season with the squad we are compiling for him to play with. His reply to me was he has plenty of space for silverware  and Faversham Town haven’t seen the best KC yet.”

Reflecting on McIntyre’s arrival, Moore, added: “Our recruitment for next season has to be spot on. We only want winners and who know the leagues well. 

"Jake comes with an abundance of non-league experience having played to a high standard with both Ashford United and Ramsgate.  When I knew he was available it was a no-brainer.  I’m pleased Jake can see what we are building at this club and will be on the journey with us.”

Reflecting on Lockyer's signing, Moore added: "He is a proven goal-scorer at the level above and will bring so much to our attacking threat.

"He is a good size and great in the air, competitive, and he brings others into the game so well when he's got his back to goal.

"On top of all his attributes as a pleyer we have also signed a great character, someone who will eptimoise our values at the club as we attempt to bounce back and he will be a huge influence in the dressing room.

"I personally can't wait to work with him when pre-season comes - we have signed a real winner!"

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