Sinden's move is not money motivated, insists Luchford

Tuesday 25th August 2009

FAVERSHAM TOWN boss Justin Luchford has today unveiled the signing of prolific striker Richard Sinden, writes Stephen McCartney.

Sinden was the top scorer for VCD Athletic during the past two seasons, but the Maidstone based striker quit the Crayford based club earlier in the month through work commitments and the additional travelling around the northern section of the M25 for matches in Ryman League Division One North.

Vickers’ boss Paul Foley was naturally disappointed that Sinden decided not to be a part of the club’s first season at that level due to the extra travelling.

He said: “This was always going to be an issue for him but recent work developments made it even tougher so we agreed to hold on to his registration form and not lodge it with the Ryman League.

Foley added: “His 27 goals in 31 starts were a big part in us winning the (Kent) League and Kent Senior Trophy last season when he could easily signed for other Kent League clubs for much more money!”

So it was no surprise that the former Maidstone United, Ashford Town, Sittingbourne and Hythe Town goal-getter opted to sign for Bulmers Cider Kent League leaders Faversham Town today, pleasing Luchford.

“I have known Richard for a number of years and I also played a part in signing him for Hythe when I worked under Paul Fisk a few years ago,” Luchford told www.favershamtownfc.co.uk.

“Richard arrives with two Kent League winners medals with Maidstone and VCD respectively and a reputation for scoring goals.

“Richard has scored goals wherever he has played and his experience will be a big bonus to our young side.

“Richard is a professional in the way he approaches the game and that is why he will fit in well here. We do things the right way and he liked what he saw when he has been down a couple of times in the past week or so.

“He had plenty of offers, but I have managed to sell the club to him. To be honest, I think we are becoming the easiest club to sell at this level. We have great facilities, we are forward thinking and we make no false promises.”

Luchford, who takes his 100% side to Ryman League Division One South side Merstham in the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup on Saturday, insists Sinden’s move to Salters Lane is not money motivated.

“The first thing I told him about was the money situation at the club,” said Luchford. “We are a self-funding club and don’t have deep pockets to be paying individuals huge money.

“We pay their expenses and that won’t change. Just to put all the gossip mongers tongues to rest before the whole of Kent decides to start talking that we have millions of pounds available.

“Richard has been brilliant, as have all the players in my group. He understands the current market conditions out there and wasn’t interested in chasing club’s money.

“I have an amount to stick to and as the treasurer will testify, I will never and have never exceeded it. He wants to join a club moving forward and hopefully that is what we are doing.

“If we can improve this year and he can help us do that then we are both winners out of it.”

Signing Sinden, who also clinched the Kent League title for Maidstone United, will certainly increase Faversham’s chances of success this term.

“No doubt this will put more pressure on us from the outside to do well,” admitted Luchford. “But as I have said since I have been here, I have a long term plan and I am building towards that. Improvement every year is the key.

“When I worked with Paul (Fisk) at Hythe it was the same then. Paul had a plan but it was going to take time. It took him 4/5 years to get Hythe to where they are now, and that will be no different from any club.

“It doesn’t matter what players you sign, its getting them to gel together and get an understanding of how we do things here, and trust me that takes time.”

Sinden goes straight into the squad for Saturday’s FA Cup tie.

Quotes courtesy of www.favershamtownfc.co.uk & www.vcd-athletic.co.uk

Merstham v Faversham Town

FA Cup (Sponsored by E.ON) Preliminary Round

Saturday 29th August 2009

Kick Off 3:00pm

At Moatside, Weldon Way, Merstham, Surrey RH1 3QB