Miles "bitterly disappointed" as Denness signs for rivals - EXCLUSIVE

Chatham Town manager Phil Miles admitted that he’s “bitterly disappointed” with Rob Denness - after the powerfully built striker opted to move to their Ryman League Division One South rivals Ashford Town today, writes Stephen McCartney.

The 18-year-old, who celebrates his next birthday in eleven days time, declined to take up the option on last season’s contract, and decided to team up with former Chats boss Clive Walker at The Homelands.

Writing on his very own website - www.robdenness.co.uk  - Denness said that his childhood football hero was Ian Wright - whose the director of football strategy at Ashford Town.

Denness also admitted that his biggest disappointment was “being let go by Charlton Athletic at a young age,” but he soon bounced back by scoring a hat-full of goals for local sides Thamesview Rangers and Bredhurst Juniors before joining Chatham Town in 2004.

The loss of Denness - and two transfer targets rejecting moves to Maidstone Road - has left Miles dejected.

“He was our top goalscorer last year, he’s definitely one for the future and we was hoping that he’s future would lie at Chatham Town, but obviously things get in the way, don’t they?“ Miles said EXCLUSIVELY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight.

“As soon as another club come in for our players nine times out of 10, they tend to leave.

“Rob seems to think he can further his career better at Ashford. He’s looking for a new challenge and to be honest I’m going to say money as well because I’m sure he’s going to get a good package down there.

STRENGTH:  Rob Denness (blue shirt) is sandwiched inbetween two Ashford Town players when the two clubs met at The Homelands last season.

Photograph courtesy of Adrian Line - www.chathamtownfc.co.uk and reproduced on  www.robdenness.co.uk.

“But initially he hasn’t gone for the money. I’ve spoken to Rob and he feels he will progress more at Ashford than Chatham. Maybe he will, maybe he won’t - only time will tell.”

Miles revealed that he’s missed out bringing former Dartford pair Steve Hafner and Ryan Briggs to Maidstone Road.

Hafner is expected to sign for one of Chatham Town’s rivals, whilst Briggs signed for Ryman Premier League side Folkestone Invicta earlier in the week.

But despite his recent blows, Miles remains positive ahead of their second campaign in the Ryman League.

“I still believe we’ve got enough in the current squad to do better than last year,” he insisted.

“I believe that we won’t have six of our first team players injured in the same month as we did last year.

“We had six players missing for a month and that hit us hard.

“Although I haven’t had any joy with those two players and Rob Denness has moved on, I’m still speaking to people and looking to bring in one or two players before the season starts.”

Miles revealed that he’s going to give “five or six unknown quantities” trials during pre-season, as well as former Dartford reserve team player, Dominic Elmes, a Chatham resident.

“He’s coming down for pre-season, he hasn’t signed yet,” said Miles. “I’m going to look at him in the friendlies and we’ll take it from there.”

Miles will also negotiate with Jim Ward, the manager of Ryman Premier League side Ramsgate, the possibility of signing Gavin Schulz and Shane Suter, after the pair impressed during their loan spells towards the end of last season.

But Jon Neal, whose left Sittingbourne to find regular first-team football, will not be making a return to Chatham, according to Miles.

He said: “Jon’s a good player but to be fair he was at Chatham for a little while and when he was with us I felt he didn’t score enough goals.

“I’m trying to bring in the forward that will score 20 goals a season on the budget we’re on.”

Another player to leave Maidstone Road this week was midfielder Adam Douglas, whose signed for neighbouring Kent League side Lordswood.

Visit club websites:

www.chathamtownfc.net

www.ashfordtownfc.co.uk