Faversham will shock a few teams, warns Walker

Saturday 19th June 2010

FAVERSHAM TOWN assistant manager Clive Walker says the newly promoted side will have nothing to fear in the Ryman League next season, writes Stephen McCartney.

The Lilywhites clinched the Kent League title and Kent Senior Trophy last season and are preparing for life in the Ryman League Division One South for the first time.

However, summer transfer activity has been quiet and the only confirmed player news has been unveiled by other clubs.

Last season’s top scorer, defender Lee Shearer, has been signed by Kent League side Hythe Town and Dave Soutan has been snapped up by neighbours Whitstable Town.

But according to the Sittingbourne fans’ forum, defender Matt Bourne is expected to sign for Faversham Town - although the club are keeping tight lipped over the arrival off the central defensive rock.

But Walker, who managed Bourne at both Chatham Town and Dover Athletic, told www.kentishfootball.co.uk this afternoon: “We’re talking to him. Justin’s been talking to players, but obviously he’s been away. I’m going away this week to coach in the States for a month, so we’ll see what happens after that.

“He’s talking to a few players, so I’m not going to tell you the players, as that will alert every club in the country.”

Faversham are expected to do well in Ryman League Division One South next season.

Walker said: ““Obviously it will be harder than the Kent League.

“But we’ve got enough players around who have played at these levels to adjust to that quite quickly.”

Walker added: “It’s a good challenge, isn’t it? And to be fair, we’ll do alright.

“I don’t mind the league. It’s alright, you know. There’s quite a few local derbies, so the crowds are quite good in the league.

“I think we’ll do alright. I think we’ll shock a few teams actually.”

Five of the club’s six pre-season friendlies will take place at Salters Lane with Dover Athletic (17 July), Folkestone Invicta (20 July), Margate (24 July), Herne Bay (31 July) and Maidstone United (7 August), visiting, before Justin Luchford takes his side to play Ryman One North side Thamesmead Town (14 August).

The Ryman League season gets underway on 21 August.

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