I've been trying to sign Pulman for a long time, admits Lovell

Thursday 03rd June 2010

ASHFORD TOWN boss Steve Lovell continues rebuilding his squad with a long-term transfer target finally agreeing to sign for him, writes Stephen McCartney.

Striker Ian Pulman has decided to leave league rivals Whitstable Town to sign for the Homelands outfit and joins defender Tom Bryant, who has only just been released by Tonbridge Angels, following the arrival of Peter Hawkins, who joined the Angels from their Ryman Premier League rivals yesterday.

The pair join former Dartford defender Adam Flanagan as Lovell’s summer signings so far, and the Welshman, who was speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk this evening, revealed that more new faces are imminent.

“I’ve been trying to sign Ian Pulman for a few years now at different clubs,” revealed Lovell.

“He’s a very intelligent player, good goalscorer, works hard and he’s a good lad. I think he will fit in nicely for us and will combine well with Mark (Lovell) and all the other forwards that we’ve got at the club and hopefully he’ll score a few goals for us.”

The Ashford boss recalled that he has worked with Bryant before.

He said: “I’ve known Tom for a long time. I was at Gillingham with him when he was a youth team player. He went up to Halesowen for a little spell full-time then came down to Tonbridge where he had an up-and-down season last year with injuries, so hopefully this year he’ll come good.

“He’s a left-footed centre half or left-back, plays anywhere down the left and hopefully he’ll fit in well for us.”

Lovell’s side report back for pre-season training on Saturday 10 July and more new faces are expected before then.

“There will definitely be more,” revealed Lovell. “I’m looking at three more players to bring in. A goalkeeper, a midfield player and a forward. We’re still looking, still in talks with people and hopefully that will be before the start of the season.”

“No-one’s leaving, everybody’s staying with us and we’ll have a very good squad to work with next year with a mixture of youth and experience and I’m looking forward to it.”

Lovell guided the club towards Ryman League Division One South safety (although Walton Casuals and Eastbourne Town who finished below them in the table have both been handed a relegation reprieve) on the final day of last season.

“Last year we knew we’d have a tough season but with the signings we’re signing, with a couple more to come, shows where we want to be this year and hopefully we’ll be at the top end of the league,” added Lovell.

Elsewhere, new Dover Athletic boss Ian Hendon has moved fast to secure the services of Gillingham defender Tom Wynter, who will be joining the Blue Square Bet South club for the 2010-11 season.

The 19-year-old, who had a loan spell at Crabble in 2009, is currently under contract at Priestfield until August, but will make the move to Crabble once his current arrangement expires. He will sign a two-year deal for the Whites.

SITTINGBOURNE boss Gary Abbott, meanwhile, is looking for new players, especially as he has lost two influential players.

Midfielder, Colin Richmond, has re-signed for Ryman Premier League Maidstone United, whilst teenage goalkeeper Daren Ibrahim has returned to Dartford to sign a one-year contract, having been on loan at Bourne Park to gain experience for the whole of last season.

“I’m trying to keep the rest of the squad together,” Abbott told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

“I will be bringing a couple of players in but that’s about it and I need a goalkeeper after Daren signing for Dartford on contract, so I can’t have him next season.”

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