Soccer Shorts: Darts agree compensation to allow Day to finally join Wings

Friday 06th November 2009

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EBBSFLEET UNITED members are trying to raise the funds to enable manager Liam Daish to bring a striker to Stonebridge Road for a three month period.

Relegation threatened Fleet, second from bottom in the Blue Square Premier table, have failed to hit the target in their last five games and have netted only eight times in nineteen games.

MyFC members together with Fleet vice-chairman Roly Edwards have been successful in their pledge to fund the signing of a loan striker - with the full support of manager Liam Daish – having reached their appeal deadline nine days ahead of schedule.

Similar to that which enabled the £20,000 signing of Michael Gash from Cambridge City in 2008, but obviously smaller in scope, the pledge aims to net 60 donations of £100 each to fund the estimated £6,000 to cover a loan striker's likely costs over three months.

As of Thursday, the pledge still required 27 more signees but in a little over 24 hours since has reached its goal.

The Fleet are down to two main strikers in Scott Ginty and Magno Vieira following Elliott Charles' return to Barnet, though Ricky Shakes can also play up front if required.

The dismissal of Fleet's on-loan Barnet striker Elliott Charles during last Saturday's game has resulted in a ban that will result in him not being able to represent us again during his current loan period.

As a result Daish has initiated his early return to Underhill. Barnet could have insisted that the player stay with us for the full period of the loan so should be commended for accepting the striker's early return and saving the club having to pay a wage with the player unable to play - he will of course also have to serve his suspension elsewhere.

This will mean that the Fleet boss will again be on the lookout for a striker that he hopes to secure before the club’s next league match at York on 14th November.

Charles appeared three times for the Fleet, making his debut at Barrow and also playing at Bromley and against Wrexham.

DARTFORD have agreed a compensation fee with Blue Square South neighbours Welling United to enable midfielder Jamie Day, 30, to take over as Wings player-manager, starting with tomorrow’s trip to Worcester City.

The Princes Park outfit issued the following statement tonight, "The board of directors are pleased to announce that, following negotiations with Welling United, a satisfactory amount of compensation has been agreed to allow further discussions to take place between Jamie Day and Welling United with regards to their managerial vacancy."

Meanwhile, former Dartford and Cray Wanderers defender, Tommy Osborne, 30, has signed for Ryman Premier League strugglers Billericay Town, following his release from Hayes Lane.

TONBRIDGE ANGELS welcome Aveley to Longmead Stadium tomorrow and boss Tommy Warrilow has told fans that only encouragement is welcomed.

The Angels, who thumped high-flying Ryman One South side Merstham 6-1 on home soil last weekend, are one place below the Essex side.

However, despite their FA Carlsberg Trophy win last weekend, certain sections of the crowd got on players’ backs during an enthralling first half.

“It was almost as if some people were waiting for us to slip up,” Warrilow told the Kent & Sussex Courier Newspaper.

“There was a funny vibe around the place. Some of them started to have a good moan and groan.

“But all I’d say is, don’t come down and support us if you are going to do that. I want our supporters to stay positive and loyal.”

Meanwhile, the FA Carlsberg Trophy third and final qualifying round tie between Welling United and Tonbridge Angels has been confirmed for Sunday, 22nd November, kicking off at Park View Road at 2pm.

THAMESMEAD TOWN boss Keith McMahon has signed England under 18 international Rob Carter from Blue Square South side Bromley.

The centre half, who arrived at Hayes Lane following a spell with Maidstone United, can play either side as a full-back and played at Wembley Stadium against France in June.

“I’m pleased to have captured the signing of Rob,” McMahon told www.thamesmeadtownfc.co.uk when he struck the deal.

VCD ATHLETIC’S central defender, George Mitchell, 17, has been put forward for the England Schoolboys’ side following some impressive performances for his Kent County school’s side, as well as performing well in the Ryman League this season, writes Jeff Perkins.

The six foot two classy defender has been nurtured at VCD by the current Under 21s manager Ricky Bennett who, along with Vicker's boss Paul Foley, managed to convince George to sign for the Vickers at the age of

fifteen.

FA Vase Winner Bennett was then manager of the Under 15s VCD side assisted by the VCD first team captain at the time (and now first team manager) Foley when Mitchell came to the club for a trial.

Following a discussion between Foley and the Mitchells (George and father Colin) at the beginning of the 2007/08 season when the captain took over the reins of the first team, George decided to sign forms with

the promise of first team football in two to three years (George had previously been at Ebbsfleet).

Mitchell followed fellow 16 year old Tom Bradshaw even quicker than envisaged becoming a regular reserve team player and then also became a first team player at 16 alongside Bradshaw and fellow teen prodigy Uche

Ibemere.

He managed to pick up Kent League and Kent Senior Trophy winners medals in his first senior football season earning his full debut for the first team during the Vickers’ title winning campaign of 2008/09.

Mitchell made his full debut in March 2009 with a memorable display in a fine 4-0 win away to Greenwich Borough that swung the title VCD's way.

Having played regularly for Kent Schools Under 18s this season, their manager has put the teenager forward for the England Schools Under 18 trials which were held last Saturday 31st October at Yeading FC while his VCD

team-mates played down the road at Potters Bar Town securing 3 points with a fine 2-0 win.

The trials consisted of the cream of the counties in the South East region of England. Mitchell has been invited along to the next round of trials which see the South-East take on the South-West as the selectors

whittle down their squad.

Vicker's boss Paul Foley told www.vcd-athletic.co.uk: "The whole first team squad are delighted for George and wish him all the best in his trial games. I spoke to him at the weekend and he felt the first trial went really well so hopefully he will make it through to the final round.

"Whatever happens the club are very proud to have someone being put forward for the international schoolboy side which is a major feather in our cap and shows how well the youth system is working here.

"We have been working really hard with Ricky Bennett, Terry Groom and the junior managers to make sure we are bringing the lads through in the right way.

"It has improved dramatically over the last 2 seasons and with five seventeen year olds involved in our recent 4-2 win over Thamesmead and four involved in the Potters Bar win, VCD is proving to be a place where

young players can learn the game.

"Whatever happens at the trials I am really chuffed for George, his dad Colin and also for Ricky who brought him down in the first place at 15 enabling me to corner him until he signed for us!"

VCD are at home tomorrow to Ware and the atmosphere at Oakwood will be enhanced by yet more youthful footballers as the Junior Reds Under 7 side will be carrying out ballboy and mascot duties as well as competing in the half time penalty contest.

BECKENHAM TOWN would like to remind supporters that their home London Senior Cup second round tie against Mauritius Sports - which was rained off last Tuesday - has been re-arranged for next Monday, 9th November, kicking off at Eden Park Avenue at 7:30pm.

FAVERSHAM TOWN boss Justin Luchford can complete the double over third-placed neighbours Herne Bay when the two sides meet at Salters Lane tomorrow.

The Lilywhites can stretch their lead at the top of the Bulmers Cider Kent League table with a derby day victory, having defeated Barry Morgan’s side 4-2 at Winch’s Field earlier in the season.

“I have a fantastic group of lads and they always have my 100% backing,” Luchford told www.favershamtownfc.co.uk.

“Anyone that comes to Salters Lane is in for a game. We are a match for anyone on our day, but we have to be more consistent if we are going to improve and match everyone we play.

"This league will be very tight again this year, as everyone can beat anyone. This Saturday is no different, whoever gets it right will win the game."

GREENWICH BOROUGH manager Steve Firkins hopes history doesn’t repeat itself when basement side Lordswood visit Oakley Road tomorrow.

Lordswood have decided to replace Kevin Metcalf with former Gillingham and Maidstone United star, Jason Lillis, who has previously managed the Stones and Herne Bay.

Lords travel into south London with a record of having collected just two points from their opening eight league games, whilst Borough presently sit in the top six and Firkins wants his side to be professional when they play a side that’s still searching for their first league win.

“I’m not reading too much into that because some of their results have been quite close so we have got to be at our best for these type of games,” Firkins told www.greenwichboroughfc.com.

“I will be reminding the fellas about our encounter with them last season when they came to the Borough and nicked a 3-2 away win.”

HERNE BAY manager Barry Morgan, meanwhile, has scooped the manager-of-the-month award for October, and has released Lewis Taylor, who is attracting interest from other clubs. Brian Greenfield has been allowed to sign for Vandanel Kent County League side Hollands & Blair on dual-registration terms.

HYTHE TOWN boss Scott Porter has made changes to his squad ahead of tomorrow’s game against Holmesdale at Reachfields Stadium.

Porter was angry when his side lost to Norton Sports at home last weekend - a result that leaves the joint pre-season title favourites in the bottom four with only eight points, although they have only played six league games.

The rookie boss has wielded the axe this week, although keeping names quiet, ahead of the visit of the Bromley based side.

“I was really disappointed with what went on last Saturday in terms of the performance and have made changes since then during the week,” Porter told www.hythetownfc.co.uk.

“It is all very well having a large squad but you need quality as well. A number of players came in due to injuries and suspensions and had their chance to shine but didn’t do so.

“A few have been released during the week and myself and Clive have been busy trying to bring in a new face or two.

“At the time of writing, I am not sure if the additions will have come through in time for this Saturday but at least Dave Cook and Kieran Byrne are back (although Matt Bower is suspended.)

“Sam Marsh is two to three weeks away from a return and Aiden (Pursglove) is back doing light training, both of which are plus-points.

“Also on the up-side is the fact that Graham Porter came through 90 minutes in the reserves last week and comes into contention.

“There is no doubt that injuries have taken a toll, with the loss of Sam (Marsh) and Gavin (Ransley) being particular blows.

“We thought we had a squad that was good enough to cope, the team that lined up on Saturday should have been able to beat teams such as Norton, but that wasn’t the case.

“We spoke on the Thursday and then on the Saturday before the game about what Norton Sports would do, we knew they would battle and fight for everything. We needed to match that but didn’t do so.

“I have said all along that in the Kent League you need to win the battle first and foremost, then you can turn on the quality.

“As well as those players that have been released, some of the supposed big names didn’t perform on Saturday and this has to change. They know who they are and they need to come to the table.

“Hopefully there is a reaction Saturday from all concerned and we can kick-start our season. Holmesdale haven’t started too well but then nor have we. In some ways it is a six pointer and we definitely need to avoid dropping any more points.”

SEVENOAKS TOWN boast the third best away record in the Bulmers Cider Kent League, following their third win of the season at Lordwood.

It's bettered by only title challengers Faversham and Herne Bay, but now Simon Jones wants his team to match their form on their travels, by doing better at Greatness Park.

"It's nice to win away, but I just wish we could start doing it at home,” Jones told www.sevenoakstownfc.org.

A top-five spot for Sevenoaks Town makes the league table look good, but Jones refuses to concern himself with such things.

He added "We had a positive result at Lordswood, and we will look to get another win at Norton this week. I won't even look before the end of January, and see where we are then.

" I think it becomes too much of a distraction, I would rather focus on what goes on every Saturday for 90 minutes, and worry about where we are later,

"If we can keeping playing well, then the tables will speak for themselves."

Guy Smith face a long lay-off with a ruptured cruciate knee ligament.

The 19-year-old midfielder who has already been out for several weeks, after being injured in a behind closed doors friendly against Croydon.

Jones added: "We had a call last week to say that Guy's knee had blown up. Now we will do eveything to help his recovery. He will have a permanent physio working with him, and find out if he needs surgery.

"We want him back as quickly as possible, but know it will take time."

Norton Sports lead 2-1 from the first leg, although John Alegbe misses the trip to Winch’s Field in the second leg of the Kent League Cup game.

He starts a three-match ban after being sent off in her first leg last month. Lee Demaertelaere is also missing with damaged ankle ligaments, while Ossie Bayram missed the win at Lordswood with a hip injury.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS manager Martin Larkin has unveiled the signing of Scott Whibley, having lost James Russell and Dean Chamberlain to two Ryman League sides.

"Scott started the season with Crowborough, and is a powerful centre half who is deceptively quick. He made a superb start to his career with us on Saturday and he comes across as someone who is hungry to learn. I'm sure he will do well,” Larkin told www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk.

“Dean Chamberlain has returned to Worthing,” said Larkin. “He was getting frustrated with his performances and wanted to test himself again in the Ryman League - so we have agreed to part company with him for the near future.

"Perhaps more disappointing, though, is that we have lost James Russell to Chipstead. We agreed to allow James to play for them on Tuesday night and unfortunately (for us), he performed well and they have asked him to stay with them, which is disappointing - especially so close to the Deal game and all that rides on that.

"We won't stand in anyone's way who wants to progress though, so he goes with our best wishes."

Last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at Hythe ensured the League Cup is over for another year, giving The Wells a good run of league games - and a chance to put a run of form together where it really matters.

“We are looking forward to the run of league games we have now,” acknowledged Larkin.

“We don’t have to worry about Cup games again until December 12th.

“We have always said ‘judge us on our league position after 10, 20, and then 30 games’, so we are all looking forward to attacking these games and picking up the points that we need to move back up the table.”

Fisher are the visitors to Culverden Stadium tomorrow and Larkin added, “We naturally should be looking to win our home games against the teams that are there around us. There will be no need to motivate the boys, as they know how important this game is.”

RUSTHALL are looking to appoint a new reserve team manager, working closely with the first team manager. The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of running the side, which play in the reserve division of the Vandanel Kent County League.

Excellent training facilities are available on Wednesday evenings. For more information please contact the club’s first team manager, John Ronaldson by email - john.ronaldson@mhcb.co.uk - please mention that you read this article on www.kentishfootball.co.uk when making contact.

FORMER Tunbridge Wells and Lordswood reserve team management duo Vince Shell and Brian Curtin are on the look out for a new club.

The two UEFA B coaches left Tunbridge Wells in the summer, after a successful season, to join Lordswood but after several good results the pair called it a day after a 2-1 defeat at to home Dartford.

Speaking to www.kentishfootball.co.uk, Shell said, “It just didn‘t work out at Lordswood and in the end we felt it was in our best interests that we left the club.

“We felt that after a disastrous pre-season that we were getting somewhere with the reserves and the wins against Margate, Whitstable and Ramsgate showed the progress that we were making.

“However it wasn‘t to be and we felt we had to move on. The pair have had a chance to take stock and now feel the time is right to put their names out there again. “

“I‘ve been helping out with Ashford Town U14‘s (my son‘s side) and watching Millwall and a few local games but it‘s not the same as being involved.”

The problem is finding a club and Shell is aware that the duo may have to be patient.

“Me and Brian work well together and compliment each other so we would like to work together again,” the former Ashford Town coach added.

Shell though is adamant that it must be the right move and although opportunities are limited they want a club to match their own ambitions” “

“I know we are still inexperienced compared to most but we know what we are doing and feel we have a lot to offer.

“We encourage our players to get the ball down and play and we are strong believers in youth development, my time at Millwall taught me a lot and we try to ensure the players are tested in training and match days.

“The players we have worked with have said they have enjoyed training and enjoyed the way that we encourage them to play.

It‘s just a case of sitting tight now and seeing if anyone is interested in what we have to offer.

Interested parties can contact Vince Shell on vinceshll@aol.com or 07533269178 - please mention that you read this article on www.kentishfootball.co.uk.