Soccer Shorts: Ashford decide to scrap their reserve side

Monday 04th June 2007

www.kentishfootball.co.uk brings you news from Margate, Ashford Town, Faversham Town and Folkestone Invicta.

Margate manager Robin Trott has not made a move for Ramsgate’s star midfielder Michael Yianni, writes Stephen McCartney.

Speculation has been rife about Yianni switching Thanet clubs, but Trott told www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight that he hasn’t made a approach for the player - yet!

He said: “Not yet. No. Nothing at the moment mate, nothing yet - I think he’s a decent player.”

The Orpington based boss admitted it’s very quiet on the transfer market at the moment - but he's in plenty of discussions with potential new signings for the Hartsdown Park club.

“I’m talking to loads at the moment - I can’t give no names,” he said.

“It’s a bit dull and boring until I sign players. There’s loads that I’m talking to and hopefully the ones I talk to are decent players, to make the team stronger.”

Ashford Town director Don Crosbie has explained why the Ryman League Division One South club will not be running a reserve side next season.

The Nuts & Bolts’ second string endured a depressing campaign last term, winning just one league game as they finished rock bottom of the Kent League first division table, collecting only six points from their 22 league outings.

But the first team are expected to enjoy a much better season next season with former Dover Athletic management team, Clive Walker and Steve Nolan at the helm.

“Steve Nolan has joined us from Dover and will be a great asset,” Mr Crosbie told www.ashfordtownfc.co.uk.

“The problems with the reserves are too numerous to mention here but we will be rebuilding a solid reserve side during the next season (2008-2009) that we can all say we are proud off.”

A length of cable that served one of the floodlights and worth about £400 was stolen from Sittingbourne’s Bourne Park ground last month.

A statement issued on www.sittingbournefc.co.uk said: "This is a blow to a club where every penny is important.

"If you have any information on this, please ring Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Kevin Sims has spoken of his joy of persuading John Goodwin to become assistant manager of Faversham Town reserves, writes James Brown.

Second-string boss Sims, 32, targeted first-teamer Goodwin as soon as he took the reigns from Brett Harrison at the end of last season.

And after weighing up his options following an injury-ravaged season, popular Goodwin has decided to team up with his old pal in charge of the reserve team.

Sims is thrilled his waiting game paid off after offering Goodwin the role three weeks ago.

He told www.favershamtownfc.co.uk : "This is fantastic news. John was my first choice and I was prepared to give him all the time he needed to make the right decision.

"Luckily for me, he has decided to come on board for next season and I couldn't ask for anyone better. John is a great lad and very passionate about the club.

"Sadly, he had a few injuries last season but I am hoping he'll still do a job for me.

"His experience will be invaluable as we look to bring on more and more youngsters from the youth team.

"We have some good friendlies coming up so I am very excited about pre-season and sitting down with John to make a few plans.

"Last year we were only one win away from fourth spot so now we are no longer the new boys, we can show a bit more belief and have a real go."

Goodwin, 31 - the club's joint player of the year in their debut season back in football - said he was looking forward to his new role.

He revealed: "I played only 15 or so games last year with foot and now groin trouble. I thought I could play first-team football but I'm still having trouble four months on.

"I didn't want to say no to Kev and then be injured so that's why I have made this decision.

"I'd like to thank Kev because he gave me alot of time and now I am really looking forward to pushing on with the reserves.

"We're going to bring in five or six players and with lads coming through from the under-18s we have every reason to be optimistic."

Goodwin, who helped coach both Faversham Town's under-18s as well as one of Strikeforce's junior sides last season - is giving his total commitment to Sims next season.

But first team boss Paul Copley has not ruled out calling on a versatile player who is equally at home in attack or defence.

Copley said: "Im absolutely delighted with the news that John Goodwin has decided to become Kevin’s number two.

"A number of times during my reign as caretaker manager last season I asked John to get involved in the warm up and everyone was delighted with his contribution.

"He’s a great character - enthusiastic, committed and very knowledgeable. In fact, he’s exactly what Kevin has been looking for.

"In addition I have to stress that John is keen to continue playing and if his performances warrant it, he’ll be playing first-team football too."

Article courtesy of www.favershamtownfc.co.uk

Fans at Ryman Premier League side Folkestone Invicta are doing all they can to help manager Neil Cugley - by donating money to purchase a new player, writes Stephen McCartney.

Invicta just escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth last season, and fans are pulling out all the stops to ensure the Buzzlines Stadium club enjoy happier times during Cugley’s eleventh season at the helm.

Two hundred fans are needed to pledge £1 per week, every week, during the football season to assist in bringing in a new player.

One fan, calling himself “The Magician” explained the idea to fans on the club’s fans’ forum on www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk.

He said: “If we sell £1 shares in him we need 200 fans to pledge £1 per week for the season = £38. We will sell shares in blocks if you want.

“The money would have to be paid by direct debit or paid in full.

“Each week there will be a draw when each share goes in the hat (and) winners get free wine etc.

“The money raised will be added to the budget. We will not pick the player but one will be ours and named.

“The scheme, if we get it going, will enable fans who live away to be part of the club (and) will enable all those who get in for nothing to help.”

He added: “This is not a supporters club post but mine, with the views of few fans.”