Jenkins in shock move for long-serving Darts defender Osborne

Sunday 14th June 2009

CRAY WANDERERS boss Ian Jenkins has revealed that he’s in talks with Dartford stalwart defender Tommy Osborne, writes Stephen McCartney.

Jenkins, who is preparing for the Wands’ first ever Ryman Premier League campaign, wants to make the long-serving Darts defender his third summer signing, having already snapped up former Welling United midfielder Rob Quinn and Tommy Tyne.

Jenkins has, this afternoon, signed versatile midfielder Tyne from their local rivals Tonbridge Angels.

Tyne has opted for a move to Hayes Lane, having turned down a reduced offer from Angels boss Tommy Warrilow, who has managed to maintain six of his squad from last season, due to budget cuts forced upon him.

The versatile Tyne needs no introduction to Kent football fans, having previously played for Slade Green, Millwall, Fisher Athletic, Dover Athletic and Tonbridge Angels.

Jenkins, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk as the news broke this afternoon, says Tyne has been a long-term target of his.

“I’ve tried to get Tommy for the last couple of years, but obviously he’s opted for Tonbridge because they were in the level above and he wanted to play in the highest level he could,” he said. “But the opportunity has come around.

“He’s a player that can play the way we play. He gets the ball down, he’s got a good touch and he’ll be brilliant for us, either player behind the front two, or up front.”

Speaking about Tyne’s role, Jenkins added, “I spoke about that to him today and he’ll be happy to play anywhere, he said.”

As promised, Jenkins has now spoken to most of his promotion winning squad from last season, and updated fans of whose staying.

“I’ve spoken to most of them,” he said. “Most of them are all done, they’ve all re-signed.

“I’ve still got to speak to Leigh Bremner and Michael Power, but the majority of them have all signed.”

Unsettled striker Power appears to be touting himself around this summer and a source has revealed that he approached one of his former club’s, Thamesmead Town, but manager Keith McMahon refused to meet his high wage demands.

When asked if he was confident about keeping the strike pair at Hayes Lane next season, Jenkins replied, “Yes, the way they were speaking towards the end of last season, I’ve seen them since the season ended, they’ve been talking about nothing but playing for us. I don’t see that as a problem.”

Jenkins also revealed that he’s in talks with long-serving Dartford defender Osborne, a player who can play equally well at right-back or in the heart of defence.

Club captain Osborne, a true professional, has clocked up nearly 300 appearances for the Darts since joining from Hastings United back in July 2003.

With Darts boss Tony Burman signing players that play in Osborne’s position, Jenkins sees Osborne as one that can slot comfortably into his team next season.

“I spoke to him a couple of times and he seems really interested to talk to us, so if the money’s right, I suppose he will sign,” revealed Jenkins.

“He’s quite keen in coming, he knows what we’re going for and what we’re all about and I think he’ll fit in really well as well.

“He’s that sort of player. He’s been at Dartford for the last few years and I like that in a player. I’ve got loads of them wrapped around me at the moment who have been with me for a long time and that type of player suits what I’m all about and suits what our club’s all about.”

He added: “The experienced players make it that much easier to manage, players that have been there, they’ve won promotion battles at our level.”

But Jenkins hasn’t ruled out the opportunity for the club’s young guns to stake their claim in the team again next season, having impressed during last season’s Ryman League Division One South campaign.

“That’s what we want in our squad, I think that’s the way forward and with the youngsters coming in from the reserves and youth team, it’s blending really well now,” said Jenkins.

“I think they’ve got the ability. The level we’re playing at last year, the top six, is probably the level of the (Ryman) Premier League anyway.

“They settled in quite well, they’ve got no fears, they’ve just come in and get on the ball and they don’t worry who they’re playing against or what level. They just go and enjoy it, don’t they?”

Visit Cray Wanderers’ website: www.craywands.co.uk