I want to challenge the best in the league and come out on top, says Faversham Town boss Ray Turner

Turner has enticed three players to drop down a division with Margate to sign for the Ryman League Division One South club.

Goalkeeper Simon Overland and midfielders Wayne Wilson (who keeps his full-time employment as Margate’s head of community) and Aidan Sherlock have arrived from Hartsdown Park.

Right-back Aaron Lacy, who helped Hythe Town win the Kent Senior Cup in their inaugural Ryman League Division One South campaign, has left Reachfields Stadium after one season and has opted to join the Salters Lane club.

And much-travelled winger Antonio Gonnella has arrived, having played for Folkestone Invicta, Walton & Hersham, Canvey Island, Concord Rangers and Bognor Regis Town last season, has also put pen to paper.

Turner said: “As manager of Faversham Town I am delighted to announce the new signings, which will ensure the football club continues to strive to improve and show the necessary ambition to be successful this season.

“Just competing is not good enough for me.  I want to challenge the best in the league and come out on top.”

The Faversham Town boss highlighted the capabilities of his new signings.

He said:  “Aaron Lacy has agreed to join the club from Hythe after a highly successful season.

“Wayne Wilson has joined from Margate, a player that will add real quality to our midfield.

“Simon Overland has been a consistent performer in goal throughout the Ryman Premier season.

“Aidan is a young player with great ambition who will add real athleticism to the side.

“Also joining will be Antonio Gonnella after a spell at Bognor Regis last season.”

Turner added: “These players will now join forces with those that are happy to sign for the ambitious Kent side.”

Turner is delighted that highly-rated and much sought-after central defender, Matt Bourne and striker Adrian Stone have committed their immediate futures to the club.

He said: “I am delighted that these two have signed again.  Matt was subject to approaches from Whitstable and Sittingbourne and remains one of the most consistently high performing centre backs in the league.

“Adrian Stone also turned down a number of offers to stay at Faversham as last season’s top scorer he is a key component to our attack.”

Turner also revealed members of last season’s squad that are staying put.

He said:  “Also being retained at the club and signed up after turning down offers are James Peacock.  He was one of the first to re-sign, although he went through a tough time due to personal reasons.  I have every faith in his playing qualities and will to win.

“Local favourite Ashley Brown, I am delighted to say will be staying as well.

“Dave Botterill, who is undoubtedly one of the most technical gifted players at the club, has also re-signed.

“Also re-signing is exciting prospect Renford Tenyue.”

Turner revealed no player has left the club, although he wants to add to his squad ahead of the start of the new season.

He said: “No player at this stage has left the club from the end of last season.  I won’t be settling for what I currently have either.  I am not a manager that will be content with anything other than winning games of football.

“There will be more additions to the squad before pre-season starts to ensure competition for places. Only the players with the necessary quality and work ethic will force their way in.

“I am really looking forward to getting going now.  I have worked hard in the close season and will continue to do so to keep improving every aspect of the club from the under 13’s and 14’s to the 18’s we have people that entirely focused on player development.  This will ensure the club has a strong structure.

“Joining the back room team will be goalkeeping coach Ade Gower arriving from Canterbury City. I would like to take the opportunity to welcome him to the club and I look forward to starting to work with him.”

Visit Faversham Town’s website: www.favershamtownfc.co.uk     

Article published: 22:30 – Sunday 10 June 2012