Soccer Shorts: Abbott interested in vacant Welling job

Friday 16th October 2009

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EBBSFLEET UNITED have signed 19-year-old Barnet striker Elliott Charles on an initial one-month loan deal.

Target man Charles, 6' 2", signed a professional contract with the Bees in May 2008 after scoring 20 goals for their Protec Under 18s side.

He made his Bees debut against Brentford in August 2008, before enjoying spells on loan with Farnborough, Lewes and Hemel Hempstead Town, before returning to Barnet and making five substitute appearances towards the end of the season.

His attributes include a good aerial ability and injection of pace as Fleet manager Liam Daish bids to get his side scoring again, having seen Charles in action in a closed-doors friendly against Barnet in midweek.

Midfielder Craig Stone, meanwhile, is working towards a full recovery following a second break to his leg - which tragically occurred midway through his recovery from his first broken leg, sustained at Wrexham last February.

He will need to wear a special boot that is fitted with a machine that speeds recovery but since it is his second break, he has been advised not to push himself unnecessarily in order to ensure a full recovery and give him a good chance of resuming his football career.

Fleet chairman Duncan Holt also revealed that the club have reached agreement with Craig to pay him until the end of this month, the Fleet Trust having paid his wages over the summer and the club having continued to do this for the first months of this season even though Craig's contract finished at the end of 2008-09.

"Craig will have access to the club's medical facilities and obviously be welcome at every home game," the Fleet chairman told www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk.

"We expect him to be challenging for a place in the squad next season. Craig's attitude throughout these two breaks in his leg has been second to none. He has attended virtually all the home games and his positive attitude has never waned.

“Through sponsors and friends of the club, we arranged a holiday for Craig and his family in the summer and the cost of the boot and machinery has been met by another supporter.

“I personally can’t tell you how much I look forward to seeing him pull on our shirt again but we can’t go on paying a non-contracted player indefinitely."

In addition, the Fleet Trust and supporters are aiming to provide a small tax-free lump sum to Craig (falling outside the club budget) while the club intends to help him find non-footballing work to tide him over until he can resume training.

Stone made his debut for the Fleet against Mansfield Town in August 2008 following his move from Gillingham and went on to play 32 times in all competitions before his injury in the FA Trophy quarter-final at the Racecourse Ground.

SITTINGBOURNE manager Gary Abbott has admitted he would love to fill the vacant position at Welling United.

Andy Ford resigned as Wings boss last Monday and Abbott, who is Welling's record goal scorer with more than 250 goals, is being tipped to replace him.

"There's a lot of people who are going for it. It's such a big team and it's a big job," Abbott told BBC Radio Kent.

"I'd love to have the Welling job but obviously we'll have to wait and see."

He added: "If I get a call then I'd be happy to go along and see what happens."

Ford walked away after nearly two years at Park View Road because he did not feel he could achieve a play-off place in Blue Square South within the club's tight budget.

The Blue Square South club revealed yesterday that over 30 applications for the job have already been received and the club will be compiling a short list next week.

MARGATE travel to Wealdstone tomorrow to take on fellow Ryman Premier League opposition in the FA Carlsberg Trophy.

With prize money on offer from the FA, a win for Margate would be welcome on two fronts, and the hosts may just have an eye on next week’s FA Cup final qualifying round tie, and the prospect of a first round proper clash with one of the big Coca Cola League One clubs.

Neville Southall remains in charge pending the new board’s deliberations with the applications so far received for the vacant manager’s position.

Dan Young remains three to four weeks away from fitness following injury but Liam Harwood returns from suspension which could allow John Keister to push into midfield, at the expense of either Curtis Robinson or George Jermy.

Meanwhile, the club is delighted to announce the appointment of three new directors.

The appointment of Mr. Cliff Egan, Mr. Richard Piper and Mr. Gordon Wallis was ratified at a meeting of the board of directors held at Hartsdown Park.

They will join Colin Page and Keith Piper as part of a new five man board.

The main item on the new board’s agenda will be the selection and appointment of a first team manager. It was agreed to meet with those applications who have already contacted the club about the post, before placing a formal advertisement.

To allow the club’s supporters to meet the new board, we are proposing to hold a question and answer session on Thursday 22nd October at The Hartsdown. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start

ERITH & BELVEDERE have signed experienced striker Jon Neal from Ryman League side Sittingbourne.

The 27 year old striker joins the Deres in time for the Bulmers Cider Kent League fixture against Sporting Bengal United at Park View Road tomorrow.

Neal, who is based in Sittingbourne, is an all action striker who has also played for Whitstable Town, Kingstonian, Walton & Hersham and Hastings United.

Deres joint manager Richie Radbourne spoke to www.erithandbelvederefc.co.uk after a training session last night. "He wears you out just watching him," he said.

"Jon's work rate is phenomenal. He just doesn't stop moving. With that and his ability to score goals, we are all looking forward to seeing him play.

"We've got some quality strikers at the club now; actually, we've got a top quality squad. Our problem is to keep them all playing and happy.

"There are some tough games coming up for the club and we'll need all the players to do their bit and push this club in the right direction. It will be a challenge for all of us, but it's one we are looking forward to."

FAVERSHAM TOWN extended their lead at the top of the Bulmers Cider Kent League with a disappointing performance in a 2-1 win at struggling Corinthian last week.

Faversham skipper Tom Hickman described it as a 'bad day at the office' and although not happy with the performance, was pleased with the points.

Manager Justin Luchford was none to pleased either with his teams attitude and made it clear to all following the final whistle.

"The performance on Saturday was not good enough all over the pitch,” Luchford told www.favershamtownfc.co.uk.

“I was really unhappy with the way we played and our complacent attitude and they [the players] were told so in no uncertain terms afterwards.

“We cannot afford to drop to that level if we want to improve on last year.

"Although no matter how poor we were I don't want to take too much credit away from Corinthian who did very well indeed. It is a massive pitch and they use that very well. Had they had some fire power I think they would have got something out of the game which they fully deserved.

"However, if you take everything into consideration, we also have to be realistic that we can't be great every week. We kept a clean sheet in the second half and got the points.

“Last year we would have drawn or even lost that game so we have to take the positives.

"Everyone knows that it isn't acceptable and I won't stand for it, but they are also professional enough to take that on board and get back on the training pitch and get things right.

"Its' gone now, we move on. Three points away from home, it's certainly not all doom and gloom!"

The normally lethal finishers up front found the going difficult with the goals coming from midfield pair of Dave Soutan and Dlake Skelton.

And Luchford said, "The front boys didn't look too bad for half an hour but we didn't create or play in the way we wanted. The midfielders scoring goals is always a bonus, as you need goals to come from everywhere, so that was pleasing."

Asked if it was a difficult task keeping the players focused for every game, Luchford said "Tricky. As we saw Saturday we were very complacent, as much as Clive, Ray and I try to ensure this doesn't happen, at the end of the day it is down to the players to get the attitude right.

“We approach each game on it's own merits, and only talk about the game in front of us."

Faversham Town's scoring record is unquestionably excellent, picking up last month's award for top scorers but it is their defence that quietly go about their business which is just as impressive.

With only seven goals conceded in their nine league games, it is the best defensive record in the league.

"The goal we conceded on Saturday was a comedy (but not very funny) of errors for three players. If they don't make those mistakes in that move then we don't concede all game, continued the manager.

"Keeper Rob French didn't have a shot to save in the second period. His confidence is great. He is a young keeper and learning all the time. He has a cracking attitude and can only get better and better."

Following a fairly hectic schedule, the gaffer has no fitness concerns with any of his players. Luchford also indicated that some players may not be physically but mentally exhausted. "

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s home clash against Greenwich Borough, Luchford insisted, “Clive (Walker) and I will make sure they are (up) for Saturday. It could be our biggest test yet. Greenwich are a very good side with their strengths clearly up front. Their two strikers, are very fit and strong and extremely quick.

“We have to keep them quiet if we want anything out of the game.

"Raising my players? Easy. I will remind them of last week and the way they played and I will ask for a response. I have great players at this football club and no-one has let me down yet.

“Last week wasn't great but no-one has let me down in terms of effort. These lads are tremendous and they have my 100% backing at all times.

“Everyone should be available for Saturday, the only decision to be made is whether to recall Jamie Sparks, who has done well recently but missed out on Saturday for tactical reasons only.

As with tradition, the outgoing Carnival Queen will be there to start proceedings. Why not come along and support the league leaders!

GREENWICH BOROUGH manager Steve Firkins, meanwhile, is looking forward to playing at Salters Lane against table-topping Faversham.

Speaking to www.greenwichboroughfc.com, Firkins said, “I don’t doubt that the Faversham management team are preparing for our visit this week and this will be a big test for our lads to take on the leaders on their turf.

“They do have a decent sized pitch which will definitely help us and we are looking forward to playing in front of a decent sized crowd as well.

“They have a local carnival on this weekend so it might boost the gate especially with the local Beauty Queen kicking off the game.”

STRIKER Michael Yianni made a goal-scoring return for Hythe Town against Deal Town last week, having signed on dual-registration forms with Ryman League Division One South neighbours Folkestone Invicta.

Also making their debuts were centre-back Matt Bower from Ashford Town, and attacking midfielder Ben Brown on loan from Ramsgate, as manager Scott Porter moved swiftly to deal with a spate of injuries within his squad.

Hythe Town received more bad injury news this week when new loan signing Ben Brown reported a nasty leg injury following an accident at work.

Club Secretary Martin Giles told www.kentishfootball.co.uk, "it is really bad luck on the player who was very keen to get on at Deal for the last 30 minutes to show us what he could do and he certainly showed great promise in that half-hour.

"I know Scott (Porter) was considering resting a few in the league Cup , but with our luck at present perhaps they are safer on the pitch.

With the two legs against Tunbridge Wells to come in the next two weeks, Hythe Town do not play in the league again until the end of the month and Mr Giles added, "we were not very happy about this at first ,but with all these injuries perhaps there will be some benefit from our inactivity."

SEVENOAKS TOWN have signed five new players with boss Simon Jones set to ring the changes for the Bulmers Cider Kent League Premier Division League Cup First Round First Leg tie against Norton Sports at Greatness Park tomorrow.

Goalkeeper Emmanual Odiase made his debut against Herne Bay last week, while Ossie Bayram appeared as a second-half substitute. Danny Twin, Charlie Burgess and Euon Brown are the other three,

Sean Funnell, on holiday last week is set to return in goal, with 19-year, old Odiase, who has been with Millwall and West Ham in the past, providing competition for the first team spot.,

Speaking to www.sevenoakstownfc.org, Jones said: "The defeat against Herne Bay might be an interesting stage for us, because rather than phase people in gradually, we have a perfectly good excuse to change it totally, and have a look.

"The defeat against Herne Bay was really disappointing, but you never know it might be the making of us. We have set ourselves a minimum benchmark that we want to get to, not that sort of performance.

"The idea is we don't lose at home, pick up points away, and see where it takes us. Losing 5-1 at home is not acceptable for Sevenoaks Town."

BEXLEY BOROUGH, the ambitions Vandanel Kent County League Division Two West side, are delighted to formally announce a two-year, four figure shirt sponsorship agreement with Bexleyheath based office supplies company DC Direct.

Daniel Capel, CEO of DC Direct - who have over 35 years experience in the office supplies industry, is delighted to sponsor the Danson Youth Club based outfit.

In a statement issued to www.kentishfootball.co.uk Mr Capel said, “'It's not everyday you get to sponsor a local football team. I like their stakeholders and ambitious plans; I hope with our help Bexley Borough

Football Club will achieve great successes.”

Commenting on the agreement, club chairman Simon Kidby said, 'It goes without saying that I am absolutely delighted to welcome DC Direct as our Partner and Shirt Sponsor for the next two seasons.

“For a Kent County League Division Two club to agree such a substantial sponsorship deal with such a prestigious local business not only shows the direction of the football club are going but also the positive

perception our ambitious plans has made on many businesses over the last 5 to 6 months.

The deal was brokered by Bexley Borough's Commercial Manager Richard Pleydell who joined from Crockenhill Football Club at the start of this season.

On his appointment Mr Kidby commented 'This is the first of a number of four figure agreements Richard has brokered and to be announced over the coming weeks.

“It's testament to Richard's loyalty that he has already turned down an offer from a high profile Kent League Club and another from a Kent County Premier League Club. Richard is an integral part of our committee and is working hard as we all are to achieve our vision”.

Articles courtesy of the following websites:

www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk

www.bbc.co.uk/kent/sport

www.sittingbournefc.co.uk

www.margate-fc.com

www.erithandbelvederefc.co.uk

www.favershamtownfc.co.uk

www.greenwichboroughfc.com

www.hythetownfc.co.uk

www.sevenoakstownfc.org

www.digitalfc.com/bbfc