I feel it's a bit of a coup to attract such a young talent, says Whitstable boss Justin Luchford

WHITSTABLE TOWN manager Justin Luchford says bringing former Tonbridge Angels midfielder Jake Beecroft to the club is a coup.



Beecoft, 22, signed for Tonbridge Angels in May 2010, after a promising full-time career at Rushden & Diamonds, where he progressed from their youth team to first team, before opting to drop down into part-time football and pursue a career in the city, having played for Tonbridge Angels – his home town club – as a youngster.

He played 20 times for the Angels, scoring two goals, in the club’s inaugural campaign in Blue Square Bet (Conference) South, but was released by Tommy Warrilow to free up his budget to bring central defender Ollie Schulz in, following his surprise departure from Dover Athletic.

Luchford told www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk that Beecroft comes in to replace Dale Skelton, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after sustaining a twisted knee.

He said: “I am delighted to announce that on Wednesday night I completed the signing of Jake Beecroft from Tonbridge Angels.

“Jake was made available in the past couple of weeks and after the loss of Skelts for the rest of the season, I have been working hard to bring someone in before the signing deadline on 31 March.”

Luchford added: “A number of clubs were chasing Jake, but we have had a number of discussions and he felt wanted by us more than anywhere else at this point so he will be here until the end of the season at least and then we can see where we are.

“Jake can play anywhere in the midfield and also at full-back.  He is a hardworking young lad, who has a great touch and looks to move the ball quickly.”

With Whitstable Town going into Saturday’s home game against Walton Casuals sitting in the bottom four of the Ryman League Division One South table – two league’s lower than Tonbridge Angels -  Luchford has pulled off a masterstroke to bring such a quality player to Belmont Road.

“I feel it’s a bit of a coup for the club really, to attract such a young talent,” added Luchford.

“I will be working hard to try and ensure this is not just a short time deal.”

The Oystermen will leapfrog over fifth-from-bottom side Walton Casuals if they win on Saturday.

Visit Whitstable Town’s website: www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk

Whitstable Town  v  Walton Casuals
Ryman League Division One South
Saturday 17^th March 2012
Kick Off 3:00pm
at The Belmont, Belmont Road, Whitstable, Kent CT5 1QP