Foley turning Chatham Green and White

Thursday 17th June 2010

NEWLY appointed manager Paul Foley appears to be bringing his VCD Athletic side lock stock and barrel to his new side Chatham Town.

Goalkeeper James Tedder; striker Danny Penny (who will also be Chatham’s new captain), midfielder Gary Ward (who will be vice-captain), winger Nick Hegley and full-back Jason Barton had joined Chatham along with Foley, who also appointed Kevin Watson as his new player-coach, having joined VCD last season from Concord Rangers having previously played for the likes of Folkestone Invicta, Welling United and Maidstone United.

Foley has today unveiled more new signings - from VCD Athletic, who will have to start from scratch under their new manager, last season’s reserve team manager, Ricky Bennett.

Defenders David Hunt, George Mitchell and Jack Asbury; midfielders Lee Maskell and Kevin Winchcombe and exciting striker Uche Ibemere all arrive at Maidstone Road.

Foley has also confirmed that Richard Avery, Rob Denness, Ryan Laker, Ben Payne, Brad Potter, Ashley Probets, Ryan Restell, Michael Scott and last but by no means last seasons Player of the Year Matt Solly, have all been invited to join pre season training on July 3rd.

“I have asked a number of players who were here last year to come back for preseason training on 3rd July when we can have a good look at them in some of the excellent friendlies we have lined up,” Foley told www.chathamtownfc.net.

“Last year’s captain, Richard (Avery) is considering a couple of offers from other clubs. Richard is a player that I would like to keep and I made that quite clear to him but I fully respect his decision to keep his options open.

“Either way I would have appointed Danny Penny as the new captain as he epitomises the character I look for in a captain, Pens is fierce competitor and he is an out and out winner.

“Ash, Matt, Brad, Michael (Scott), Ryan (Laker) and Ryan (Restell) were all in attendance at the get together held over the weekend at Princes and they will all be there for training on 3rd July. Rob (Denness) had a prior arrangement and Ben Payne was on holiday but both players have also been asked back to the club for preseason training.”

Introducing the new signings, Foley said: “The next batch of player’s joining from our old club (VCD) are excellent acquisitions for Chatham Town.

“Winch and Hunty are, like Gary Ward and Danny Penny before them, VCD stalwarts and it will be a big wrench for them both to leave the club with over 600 appearances between them but they both feel ready for a new challenge.

“Winch is extremely versatile with two good feet and has been one of our best players over the last three seasons while Dave is a natural defender who enjoys the art of defending and who finished the last season really well at centre half.

“Jack Asbury was a real bonus for the squad last year as he came with a few other lads from Ebbsfleet to sign for Ricky Bennett’s reserve side. He looked extremely capable when asked to make the step up and he is a player we are very keen to continue to bring through and become a regular.

“Lee is someone who the Chatham fans will know from a couple of seasons ago and they will know what a good footballer he is. Lee was excellent for us when he signed and played a big part in winning the Kent League.

“He has suffered with his groins but he now has a new pair courtesy of Mr Gilmore so he should be flying coming 21st August.

“George and Uche are two players who we really believe in and two who have a real future in the game. They were both integral parts of the squad last year at VCD but this year they will be pushing for regular starts this season as they more than proved they were ready. George reads the game very well and is rarely flustered at the back while Uche has every attribute to be a top player.

“Having marked him a couple of times in training I can assure you that defenders will not be looking forward to playing against him this season that’s for sure!”

Quotes courtesy of www.chathamtownfc.net