Keevill is in my long-term plans, says McMahon

THAMESMEAD TOWN boss Keith McMahon hands new signing, the much-travelled, Sam Keevill his debut at Redbridge tomorrow, writes Stephen McCartney.

Born in Lewisham, the Dartford based 27-year-old midfielder signed for the Bayliss Avenue club last night and joins Tony Russell, who has recovered from a hernia operation, in the squad for tomorrow’s trip to Oakside Stadium.

Keevill started his playing career in Fulham’s youth team (August 2000-February 2001), before spending the rest of that season at Scottish club Kilmarnock.

In 2001, he played for three non-league clubs, Sutton United, Slough Town and Basingstoke Town.

He signed for Dr Martens Premier side Chelmsford City in the summer of 2002, following a brief spell with Dartford, who were playing Dr Martens Eastern Division football at the time, before moving to Braintree Town in November 2002 and then onto Walton & Hersham in 2003.

However, since then, Keevill has spent spells at other clubs, including Kent clubs Welling United, Bromley and Sittingbourne, but McMahon, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk is pleased to have snapped him up, with next season in mind.

“He’s a good player, been around, I know him as well and he hasn’t played for a little bit as he’s had a birth of a baby this year, but it’s a good signing for the football club and hopefully one we can keep next year,” said McMahon.

“I’m not looking for players that just want to come and stay for the last seven games and leave next year.

“We’re looking for players to build for next year and I think this lad will.”

McMahon is delighted to have been able to persuade the central midfielder to the club.

“He’s just a really good ball player with great experience,” he said. “To be fair, it’s a massive, big signing for us. He adds a bit more experience and quality to us."

McMahon added, "Signing a player like Sam show's that we are a progressive club. With the Stadium development beginning in May, we can attract players of this quality as we look to progress. It's an exciting time for the club and I'm pleased that Sam has signed for us."

Former Cray Wanderers player Russell has also been drafted into the squad, having regained his fitness.

And McMahon added, “I’ve actually got Tony Russell back in the side for tomorrow. I signed him ages ago, he hasn’t played as he’s had a hernia operation, so he’s in the squad for tomorrow as well.”

McMahon revealed he “might bring one more” player to the club ahead of transfer deadline day at the end of this month.

McMahon’s men are currently sixth-from-bottom in the Ryman League Division One North table, well clear of the drop zone, and the boss is expecting a tough game against a Redbridge side that are sitting in eighth place.

“We’ve played Redbridge twice already, drawn in the league and lost in the London Cup after extra time, a good side,” warned McMahon.

“But we’re playing really well at the moment, we were excellent against Leyton when we should have won two or three nil (instead of settling for a goal-less home draw).

“We’re just basically looking to do well and see if we can get a result.”

Thamesmead, meanwhile, welcome 12^th placed side Cheshunt to Bayliss Avenue next Wednesday, 1^st April, 7;45pm.

Visit Thamesmead Town’s website: www.thamesmeadtownfc.co.uk

Redbridge v Thamesmead Town
Ryman League Division One North
Saturday 28^th March 2009
Kick Off 3:00pm
At Oakside Stadium, Station Road, Barkingside, Ilford, Essex IG6 1NB