I feel we're going in the right direction, says Radbourne

Friday 18th September 2009

ERITH & BELVEDERE joint-manager Richie Radbourne says his side is currently going through a “big transitional” period as the managerial trio bid to turn around the club’s fortunes, writes Stephen McCartney.

Striker, Michael Power, who watched Margate’s 3-2 FA Cup defeat at Sutton United last Tuesday, has signed for the Park View Road club, following his release from Ryman Premier League side Cray Wanderers last Sunday lunchtime.

Power admitted to www.kentishfootball.co.uk that he was shown the door by Cray manager Ian Jenkins for speaking out of turn during the half-time interval of their recent home game against Canvey Island.

But the 24-year-old has penned non-contracted terms at Park View Road and will make his debut in tomorrow’s FA Vase second qualifying round tie at Horley Town.

Returning to the club is goalkeeper Jani Seitsonen, while midfielder Jason Long has also put pen to paper with the Kent League club - and midfielder John-Paul Collier is soon to join the club permanently, having been on loan from Blue Square South club Staines Town.

Finnish born Seitsonen will need no introduction to Deres supporters, having spent many seasons with the club during its Southern League days.

Having moved to St Leonards on Sea in 2007, he signed for Hastings United where he proved his undoubted ability between the posts. He spent half a season with Rye United before rejoining the Pilot Field club at the beginning of this season.

Before moving to the coast, Jani had successful spells with Harlow Town and Ashford Town.

However, work commitments bring Jani back to the area and he knows that he will have his work cut out to dislodge Matt Bromby from the Number 1 slot.

Power, nicknamed “Shaggy” also returns to the club following his release from Cray Wanderers earlier this month.

Power, who has quick feet and great goal scoring ability, started his career at Thamesmead Town before making the first of three moves to Cray Wanderers. He has also had brief spells with Welling United, Margate, Carshalton, Bromley, Tonbridge Angels and AFC Wimbledon.

Long is a tough tackling midfielder who joins the Deres from Slade Green.

He has also had spells with Snodland and Dartford and is another welcome addition to the squad.

"We knew that Juan Ramirez and Dave Hassett were cup-tied for Saturday," general manager Martin Ford told www.erithandbelvederefc.co.uk “so when I heard that Michael was available, Richie (Radbourne) and Paul (Gorman) said I should try and get him to the club.

"My phone bill will hit the roof, but after much persuasion, Michael's agreed to link up with us and see how it goes.

"He's a proven goal scorer and we're absolutely delighted he's signed for us and he'll go straight into the squad for Saturday's cup-tie.

"Jason is a player I've known for a while having had him with me at Slade Green and he knows that he's going to have to wait his chance to get in the team. When he does, I know he'll show everyone what he's capable of.

"Jani too is going to have to wait for his opportunity. Matt Bromby is probably the best ‘keeper in this League and it will be extremely difficult for Jani to get a regular place in the team. He'll get a go in the Reserves and we'll take it from there.”

Ford added: "These are exciting times for the club. Players want to join us and just this week, Thamesmead Town put in an approach for Danny Tipple but the player doesn't want to go there. Nothing against Thamesmead, but he's enjoying his football here and wants to be a part of what we're trying to achieve."

Radbourne, meanwhile, is confident that his side can come away from Horley Town tomorrow with a win under their belt to book their place in the first round of the FA Carlsberg Vase.

“Hopefully we will continue from last Saturday after the fantastic (5-1) victory against Tunbridge Wells,” he told www.kentishfootball.co.uk on the eve of the game.

“I’ve done my homework on them, we’ve spoken to Gary Abbott at Sittingbourne and they are very much route one.

“I feel that if we get the ball down and play we won’t have any problems. We’ve got the players, we’ve got a very strong squad arriving, with a few new additions coming.

“John-Paul Collier has spoken to us this week and we’re hoping we’re going to tie him up and he’s going to stay on for the rest of the season - he’s been on loan from Staines.”

Radbourne, Paul Gorman and Ford have been busy transforming the side in the last couple of weeks.

And 29-year-old Radbourne said, “It’s been a very busy time for myself and everyone at the club. We’re taking a big transitional period at the moment, players in, obviously letting players go unfortunately, but things are looking good for the club.

“I’ve always stated, when I did join the club, that I will move the club forward, how ever long I’m here for. If it’s a week, a month or ten years or whatever I’m there for, I will be moving the club forward and I feel we’re going in the right direction.”

Visit Erith & Belvedere’s website: www.erithandbelvederefc.co.uk

Horley Town v Erith & Belvedere

FA Carlsberg Vase Second Qualifying Round

Saturday 19th September 2009

Kick Off 3:00pm

At The New Defence, Court Lodge Road, Horley, Surrey RH6 8RS