Halsey opts to move to Herne Bay

Tuesday 19th May 2009

HERNE BAY chairman John Bathurst sees the appointment of new coach Simon Halsey as a stepping stone towards winning the Kent League title next season, writes Stephen McCartney.

Halsey spent three successful years at neighbouring Whitstable Town, who have appointed Mark Munday as their new manager, and was Marc Seager’s number two, and he takes up the same role at Winch’s Field under Barry Morgan, who received backing by the Winch’s Field hierarchy to remain as manager.

“Barry Morgan has had and still has his critics,” Mr Bathurst told www.hernebayfc.net. “He will admit that he has made mistakes. It would be surprising if he hadn’t.

“This being his first season at number one I think he has done alright, so much so that the club committee voted unanimously to retain him as manager for the coming season.

“This time he will be assisted by a new coach in Simon Halsey. Simon has done a fantastic job alongside Marc Seager at Whitstable Town on a shoestring budget.

“I am confident he will be a great asset for our players and bring them on towards the next step forward and promotion.”

Mr Bathurst reflected on last season’s campaign, where Morgan’s men finished in sixth place in the Bulmers Cider Kent League.

“After investing heavily at the start of the season, six players (were signed) on a two-year contract (which was) a record for the club, it was disappointing to finish in the same position as last year,” he said.

“The positive we can take forward is that ours is a very young squad, who at times this year have shown themselves of challenging for the title and promotion.

“Some of the football played was brilliant, the best seen at Winch’s Field for many years, and some was not so good.

“I believe our season was ruined when we lost five out of six games in October. Despite that we were still there or thereabouts at the end of the season.”

Bay have, however, lost the services of pacy winger Rhys Lawson, who has opted to move along the coast to Ramsgate, a side bidding to return to the Ryman Premier League at the first attempt, having finished their campaign rooted to the foot of the table.

Mr Bathurst admits he is annoyed that Jim Ward signs players from his club on a regular basis.

“Some players will leave the club at this time and in fact our friends down the road in Thanet have continued in their now normal practice of using Herne Bay Football Club as a feeder club to their own,” he said.

But the chairman added, “We all wish Rhys the very best and thank him for his service he has given to us over the last three seasons. If it doesn’t work out he will always be welcome back again.”

Mr Bathurst prides himself in not putting the club in danger of financial ruin.

He said: “On the financial front we, unlike some clubs, are debt free. All payments to players have been fully above board and in accordance with the Football Association and HM Revenue and Customs.

But Herne Bay will value the help from sponsors.

“The whole season has been completed without sponsorship money,” revealed Mr Bathurst. “This is why I have spoken out in annoyance at negative comments about the manager, about players leaving and being bad-mouthed myself.

“These so-called supporters offer no help. They simply criticise the efforts of the committee in running the club both on and off the field.

“The club needs help. I need help! But most of all I need the support of the playing staff. I want players who have a desire and a pride in playing for Herne Bay Football Club and are not just here for the money.

“We are the only club who can boast about the number of young local players who have made it through to play for the first team and this is something I am particularly proud of.”

Quotes courtesy of www.hernebayfc.net