Slade Green make double swoop as fans flock to see Little's return

The capture of midfielders Paul Springett and Kris Hollidge head Kent League side’s Slade Green’s summer signings.

Better known as ‘Geordie’ former Thamesmead and Erith Town skipper Springett has re-joined the club from Sevenoaks Town.

Springett returned to the Kent League scene last season having sustained a broken leg whilst playing for Erith two seasons ago.

He originally played for The Green between 1999 and 2002 having been part of Catford Wanderers successful Kent Youth League side.

Like Springett, Hollidge is also back at The Small Glen for a second spell. The ex Welling United, Bromley and Croydon player has made the short trip from Erith Town having previously played for the club for a brief spell during the 200/01 season.

Green boss Peter Little was delighted to announce the two player’s arrival.

“They are both very naturally gifted footballers and extremely versatile”, Little told the club’s website at www.clubwebsite.co.uk/sladegreenfc/

Little has also draughted in Casey Scotter from Dartford having previously managed him at Erith Town.

And skilful wide man John Gallagher has returned following a season with Thamesmead Town.

Gallagher progressed from Green’s reserve team into the first team two season’s ago.

Four players have followed assistant manager Wayne Baldacchino from Erith & Belvedere in the shape of goalkeeper Billy Webb, Harry Harris and Georgian born players ‘Zuiade’ and ‘Nickolas’.

Two other goalkeepers have also been recruited in the shape of Danny Smith (VCD Athletic) and Mattie Longhurst, formerly of Dartford.

Little’s renowned faith and belief in discovering local talent has also been found evident with Slade Green born Joe Lee and Danny Rutherford signing forms.

Meanwhile, Little is expected to secure the signing of an experienced Kent League defender this coming week.

A crowd close to 100 turned out for Green’s first home pre season friendly against Essex League outfit Stansted yesterday.

The appointment of Little certainly seems to have the desired effect on the local community with many local faces being present to welcome the popular and well known Little back to the club.

The Green boss said: ‘It was good to see so many locals here today’. We are trying to get local people back to support the club.

“During the coming season we are holding a series of quiz, darts and poker nights to help raise money.

“If the locals come to it will hopefully have a knock on effect and they will start coming to matches.

“They can then get the youngsters in Slade Green involved and playing for the club and we have already made a start in signing to local lads Joe Lee and Danny Rutherford”.

Goals from John Gallagher and ‘Zuiade’ saw Green share the spoils in a 2-2 draw with the Essex League side.

Green, who were without Lee Barber (family commitments) and Shaun Malyon, due to injury, gave Terry Murphy his first appearance of the pre-season campaign, having been away in Scotland.

Slade Green travel to play Bromley Sports on Tuesday night, before welcoming Chatham Town to The Small Glen next Saturday, 4th August.

Article courtesy of www.clubwebsite.co.uk/sladegreenfc/