I'm really pleased to have Jon Main at the club, says Thamesmead Town boss Keith McMahon

Main, 32, put pen to paper on a deal to sign for the promoted Ryman Premier League outfit last night, following his release from Conference South champions Welling United earlier in the month.

Main scored 6 goals in 28 appearances for the Wings last season and was released by Jamie Day after the club sealed promotion to the Conference Premier after clinching the title ahead of promoted play-off winners Salisbury City.

Thamesmead Town won promotion out of the Ryman League Division One North after finishing in third-place in the table after 42 games and beating Witham Town and Maldon & Tiptree on penalties in the play-offs.

Main’s arrival at Bayliss Avenue is described as the club’s biggest ever signing and shows the intent from McMahon that the club are not going in their new surroundings just to make up the numbers.

“It’s a massive signing for the club to be honest,” said McMahon.

“It shows the intention and how far the club have gone.

“It’s a signing that I’ve been looking for the club. I known Jon for a while, we’re friends as well. His record in all the leagues is excellent.

“I’ve been pestering him for the last three years to try to sign him and he liked everything I said about the club and jumped at the chance as well.

“It’s a signing that to come into our current squad that needed to be special and he is – he adds to the firepower that we’ve got up front, which is potent.

“It’s a great signing. I’m really pleased to have him.”

Main was troubled with knee ligament damage during his second spell at Tonbridge Angels two years’ ago, but McMahon believes he can get the very best out of the former VCD Athletic, Cray Wanderers, Tonbridge Angels, AFC Wimbledon, Dartford and Welling United striker.

“Last year he was basically pretty fit. Welling were doing so well and he didn’t get a run,” added McMahon.

“We played against him in the London Senior Cup and he looked lively (scoring two goals). He looked like he could score goals.  I’ve spoken to him about his fitness and he reassured me everything’s good and he’s raring to go.”

McMahon revealed that last season’s forward line of Stuart Zanone, Rob Carter, Tyrus Gordon and Baaf Addae are very much in his plans for next season.

McMahon said: “I’m very happy with the squad. Everyone’s agreed to stay from last year. We knew we had to strengthen. We’ve added Jon and I’ve spoken to one or two more and I’ll continue to do so.

“We know the gap from the Ryman One and the Premier. We have got financial restrains and we know that as well, but with the right players we can strengthen them.

When asked whether he’s set Main a goalscoring target for next season, McMahon replied, “No. We had a brief chat. The last three forwards that I’ve signed have all scored 25 goals for me and if Jon can do that and add to Stuart Zanone, Tyrus Gordon, Rob Carter as well as Baff Addae we should be ok scoring goals.

“Jon has that little bit of experience as well to us which we need at this level and when you’re up against it he can nick a goal when you’re struggling away from home sometimes and that’s why I’ve brought him in. He’s a massive, massive addition to us.”

McMahon can finally see light at a very long dark tunnel and revealed the club are nearing completion to move into their new facilities at Bayliss Avenue.

He said: “I showed a couple of players around last night and they were blown away, so hopefully that will be a big attraction to us as well.

“We move out (of the old clubhouse) on May 31^st and two weeks later we should be moving into the new one and the old one is demolished. It’s all looking good. It’s exciting times.

“The League’s got published last week and it gave us a little bit of a buzz. We’ve got our presentation night on Saturday and we’ll enjoy that and then we’ll forget about the past and look forward to the future.”

Meanwhile, Thamesmead Town are seeking a manager to take the reins of a new under 21 side, who will play in the newly created Ryman Under 21 League next season.  Interested parties in this position should contact Keith McMahon by email at Keith@maine-plc.com.

The club are also seeking a head coach for their under 19 Academy side. Interested parties in this position should contact Dan Wells by email at DWells@sportingclubthamesmead.co.uk.

Visit Thamesmead Town’s website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/thamesmeadtown