Lawrence's disappearance upsets Seager

WHITSTABLE TOWN manager Marc Seager revealed that over 50 players reported back to pre-season training last night, writes Stephen McCartney.

However, Nick Bagley, Liam Quinn, Tom Parker and Dave Cory, who have all put pen to paper to stay at Belmont Road, were away on holiday, whilst Sam Denly and Tommy Martin had work commitments.

Hailing the first training session “absolutely fantastic,” Seager, speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight, added: “We had a great turnout, just over 50 people there, that’s with our reserve team and the older ones from the under 18s that’s completed a year.”

But Seager, preparing for the club’s second Ryman League Division One South campaign, believes former Herne Bay striker Danny Lawrence has parted company with the club.

“I assume I’ve lost Dan Lawrence, I don’t know where he’s gone,” said a bemused Seager.



HAVE YOU SEEN THIS MAN?  Whitstable Town manager Marc Seager hasn't heard from striker Danny Lawrence, who is expected to return to his former club, Kent League neighbours, Herne Bay.
Photograph courtesy of www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk

“I’ve heard rumours that’s he’s going to Herne Bay but I haven’t heard anything from him since the presentation night (at the end of last season).

“He hasn’t returned any of my 20 missed calls or God knows how many text messages, so I assume he’s left, either that, or he’s disappeared off the face of the earth.

“I’m obviously disappointed that he’s not returned any of my calls but I guess that’s how some of these players are like in this day and age. They haven’t got the balls to make a phone call.

“ I can understand him wanting to leave, he hasn’t played many times, spent a lot of time on the bench.

“He’s got lots of potential with lots of natural ability and I thought he could do big things. I accept players do want to play football.

“It was very hard for him as Ian Pulman and Dave Cory were in fantastic form and it was very hard for him to get into the side.”

Whitstable’s only other departure was defender Steven Lloyd, who has joined Ryman Premier League side Ramsgate.

But Seager is pleased a vast majority of his players have stayed loyal to him and the Belmont Road club.

And he said: “To be honest I’d like to have a squad of twenty. Ninety percent of the lads from last season have re-signed, which is a massive boost for the club.

“It says a lot for the way they’re treated and looked after by the club and I think there’s a bright future at The Belmont or they wouldn’t have re-signed.

“As a manager you’re always looking to improve the side. There were a few new faces at training, not mentioning any names until they put pen to paper. If there’s players that I feel will strengthen an already potentially good side, then I’ll do that.”

The Oystermen have eight more training sessions ahead of their opening pre-season friendly at Sussex County League side Redhill - managed by Seager’s close friend, Tommy Sampson, who as we all know was very ill last season.

Looking forward to the trip to Surrey on Saturday, 19^th July, Seager said: “Obviously I’m very close to Tommy and it will be a great way to start our pre-season and it will be great to see him back in the dug-out, the place where he belongs.”

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