Soccer Shorts: Boardroom changes at Tunbridge Wells

Here are some news stories from around the Garden of England.

DARTFORD manager Tony Burman thanked midfielder Junior Kadi for his contribution during the club’s Ryman League Division One North title winning campaign last season.

The former Bromley and Beckenham Town midfielder has opted to leave Princes Park to sign for their Ryman Premier League rivals Carshalton Athletic.

“I have had a very good chat with him and he will not be coming back to us for next season,” said Burman, when speaking to www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk.

“A mutual decision, but I for one cannot thank Junior enough for his input and contribution for us last season in helping us get promoted.”

THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION will publish the draws for the early rounds of the FA Cup, FA Trophy, FA Vase and FA Youth Cup on Tuesday morning - visit www.thefa.com for the full draws then.

Once again there is going to be a record number of clubs in the coming season’s FA Cup competition.

There were 731 accepted entries last season and now the figure has gone up to a phenomenal 762.

The competition kicks off on Saturday 16^th August 2008 - the opening day of the Ryman League season - when the Extra Preliminary Round gets underway.

PHIL DOWRICK has been appointed as the new chairman of Kent League club Tunbridge Wells.

Mr Dowrick has been lined up for the position for 2½ years, having initially linked up with the club through Foresters FC at former Chairman Norman Sales’ request, but took a step back whilst the club considered other proposals.

He has, however, been on the Tunbridge Wells committee for the past year with a view to taking over the reigns from Nigel Bourne when the time was right - and that time was at this year’s AGM.

"The first actions we have is to make sure that the club steamlines it's administration and commercial activities to achieve the same high standards that we can expect on the pitch,” Mr Dowrick told www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk.

"This club must now be run as a business whilst allowing those involved in coaching to coach. Costs were up last year by 26%, and we need to make sure that the way this club runs brings in the funds to cover that.

"We have installed a professional business team - a board of directors at the club - to make sure that happens. While the committee will still exist, they will ultimately answer to the board.”

The new board at the club consists of Dowrick, along with Garry Jefferies as vice chairman - a long term supporter of the club, and managing director of local company Printwell; Joe Croker as company secretary - who brings expertise in project management, having spent most of his career in managing the development and implementation of large scale computer systems; Les Pendlebury-Bowe as welfare officer; and a Financial Director.

Mr Dowrick confirmed he was currently talking to a highly experienced individual to fill this final role.

Mr Dowrick was also delighted that the AGM approved a new constitution. The new constitution and codes of conduct bring the club in line with FA Compliance as we seek to earn an FA Charter Mark, which will be essential to the future running of youth football from next year.

Youth football is something close to the heart of Mr Dowrick - and it is the intention of Tunbridge Wells Football Club to have elite teams running for all age groups feeding into the reserve and first teams - this season sees the start of that with the establishment of an Elite U13s side.

Meanwhile, first team manager Mike Robbins was confirmed as elected to the committee, and in addition to his first team management role, will work at co-ordinating football at the club at all levels.

Two targets have been set by Dowrick for the season ahead.

He said: "The club will be looking to sell at least 50 season tickets for this season for the first time, and by the end of the season, will look to have 100 paying spectators coming through the gate at home games," he revealed - a challenge that will involve all those concerned with the club.

Finally, Dowrick acknowledged the valued endeavours of Mr Nigel Bourne and former secretary Barry Whitlock over the last year.

Both are now taking a well-earned break from the day-to-day involvement with the club, while returning as true supporters.

Robbins, meanwhile, has revealed that the vast majority of last season’s squad have signed from last season which will be a massive help to the cause as the side looks to challenge the top pack in the Kent League in the new season.

While he’s waiting for one or two players’ decisions on their immediate futures, former Ashford Town and Bromley striker Adrian Stone is the only player who has definitely left the club.

Joining the club for a second stint at Culverden is forward Benji Agana.

Agana’s last spell in Tunbridge Wells colours was in 2003/04 during Kevin Metcalf’s reign, when he scored six goals in 18 starts.

Now aged 24, Robbins says the former Tooting and Mitcham and Croydon player will add some beef up front.

He said: “Benji can play next to any of our players - Daniel Jefferey or Mike Lord. Daniel might not be available for selection as often as he was last year, but Benji will certainly give us something that we did not have last year.”

And Robins reports that training has been pretty successful so far.

He said: “So far, we’ve been concentrating on building professionalism and team bonding. It’s very important that the players get used to the discipline that we instil as soon as possible. The first weeks of training have gone exceptionally well, and over 30 players have turned out for each session.

“Wells are obviously looking for top six this season, and this year I have the advantage that this time, I start with a blank canvas.

“This time last year I was listening to someone else’s ideas. Now they are ours. We (Martin Larkin and I) have put much thought into each and every session, and I believe that the players are already responding well to our methods.

"I will finalise my squad within the next two weeks - and while I do not need to sign twelve new players, I need a couple to give competition.

"No player should play in his comfort zone - I have a couple of quite high profile players who will train with us over the next couple of weeks."

GREENWICH BOROUGH have launched a new website at www.greenwichboroughfc.co.uk  and the Harrow Meadow club have spoken about their aspirations for their next Kent League campaign under new boss Steve Ferkins.

“We are looking forward to the coming season as there is much rebuilding to do at the club,” said the statement on it's new website.

“A complete overhaul was needed and this is what we are doing. We have a five year plan in place and have no pre-conceived ideas as to promotion.

“The first year is the honeymoon period. A top five finish would be nice and good performances against the favourites VCD Athletic, Croydon and Beckenham Town would be a fantastic achievement itself.

“We can give teams a good run for their money. That will stand us in good stead for the next campaign.”

Clubs can send us their pre-season friendly fixtures by clicking on CONTACT US on www.kentishfootball.co.uk - to view them please click on STAT ATTACK.

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