Soccer Shorts Extra: Walker returns to Maidstone United

Friday 26th February 2010

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MAIDSTONE UNITED have moved swiftly to re-sign goalkeeper Andy Walker from Billericay Town in time for tomorrow’s Ryman Premier League home game against Harrow Borough, which is subject to an early morning pitch inspection.

The move for Stones ex-goalkeeper was brought about when ever present custodian Jamie Turner decided that it was time to have a break from the game.

Andy Walker is no stranger to the club. He previously kept goal for two seasons from 2007 to 2009, when he became a firm favourite with the club’s supporters. He's the current Supporters' Player of the Year.

Manager Peter Nott told www.maidstoneunited.co.uk today, “Jamie Turner was a very important part of our team structure and I did not want him leave the club.

“Luckily Andy Walker, who is a very talented and experienced goalkeeper, became available and is the perfect replacement”

Walker has signed a “loan agreement” until the end of the season.

Nott added: “It is initially a loan deal for 30 days as Billericay’s policy is to loan players a month at a time, but we are confident that we will be able to extend the agreement to keep Andy until the end of the season.

“Andy is delighted to be back at the club and we hope he produces the type of performances he did for us last season.”

In the wake of Jay Saunders leaving the club to join Margate for the third time, midfielder Nick Barnes has asked to be released.

“Nick Barnes and Jamie Turner both asked to be released and although as yet we have had no approach from any other club they have made themselves unavailable for selection,” said Nott.

“This is a great shame as Jay, Nick and Jamie were all key players for us and will be hard to replace at this time of the season.”

Nott, meanwhile, has asked everyone to keep their cool, with regards to recent squad changes.

“We had a chat with all of the players before last night’s training session to bring them up to date with everything that has been happening, they were obviously very disappointed with the news but they worked hard and demonstrated a positive attitude in the session that followed,” he said.

“It is important that we don’t panic regarding the recent squad changes. We know that with the amount of games coming up that we will need to bring people in but it is important that whoever joins will improve the side whilst keeping within our financial budget.

“We have already made enquiries about a couple of players and we will continue to be busy in this area however we will now have to wait to see what happens as such discussions have to go through the correct channels.”

FOLKESTONE INVICTA have now had their ten points deducted for agreeing a Company Voluntary Arrangement earlier this month.

A statement issued by the Ryman League today said, “The Board of Directors of the League at their meeting yesterday confirmed that this is an Insolvency Event as defined by the Rules of the League, and therefore the club shall be deducted 10 points.

“The club have advised the League of their acceptance of the decision, and that they will not lodge an appeal to The Football Association.

“Accordingly, the points have been deducted with immediate effect, and the League table for Division One South updated.”

The club will leapfrog over Croydon Athletic to the summit of the table if they beat the Rams at Cheriton Road tomorrow - this is, however, subject to a pitch inspection at 10 o’clock.

Invicta have decided to postpone the tribute to Rifleman Aldridge in good time to unravel all the arrangements, just in case the game does get called off.

“Assuming the match itself is called off we will aim to reschedule the commemoration of Peter Aldridge around the new date for the Croydon fixture,” chairman Mr Lynn Woods told the club’s fans’ forum.

“Perhaps a blessing in disguise in giving us more time to organise the tribute and get a good turnout.

“We can’t officially best-guess the referee’s decision tomorrow morning so, to be clear, as things stand right now the Croydon game is still ON, and it reverts to being a normal home game with gate charges applied in the usual way.”

CHATHAM TOWN boss Alex O’Brien says he is disappointed that his move for defender Tommy Osborne has been gazumped by Thamesmead Town.

The versatile defender played over 300 games for Dartford (and the pair were team mates when the Princes Park club won the Ryman League Division One North title in 2008), but that counted for nothing as Osborne opted to sign for the Bayliss Avenue outfit instead.

O’Brien, speaking to www.chathamtownfc.net, explained why Osborne won’t be playing for Chatham Town.

“I have known Oz for many years and jumped at the chance to sign him,” explained O’Brien.

“He signed last Thursday, but on the Friday let us know that he earns good money working on a Saturday afternoon- no where near what we could offer him!

“Oz was still happy to sign, but said it would limit his games as he has a wedding to pay for – and lets face it many of us have been there! So we left things as they were so that he’d be available when he could.

“Problem is that on Saturday, Tommy rang me to tell me that again Thamesmead Town rung him and told him that basically they can cover his work money if he’d sign for them.

“Now please don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with players wanting to chase money! I do however think that “Mead” have shown a lack of respect to Lew (Watts) and myself in the way you go about things.

“Let’s be honest it’s not the first time its happened! So in the end, I’m sorry to say that I would imagine Oz will sign for them in the next couple of days, and wont be coming to Maidstone Road after all, and through gritted teeth, and a hearty pat on the back to an old friend wishing him well!”

After leaving Dartford in the close season, Osborne has spent spells at two Ryman Premier League clubs, Cray Wanderes and Billericay Town this season.

LORDSWOOD go in search of their second league win of the season when they entertain Holmesdale at Martyn Grove tomorrow.

Jason Lillis’ assistant, John Guest, admitted he was pleased with his side’s performance during last weekend’s dog-fight at the bottom of the Bulmers Cider Kent League - a 1-1 draw at Fisher.

“We were well pleased with the performance, just the lack of finishing,” Guest told www.kentishfootball.co.uk.

The management duo have worked on the team’s defensive play, it’s just putting the ball in the back of opponents’ nets that is next on the agenda, starting against Gary Davies’ side tomorrow.

“We have talked about it this week and our (training) sessions on Thursday was all about finishing,” revealed Guest.

“Well, we are right up for this game. We hopefully have got over the slow starts and begin like we did at Fisher creating lots of chances and keeping our opposition on the back foot. Hopefully we can put a few (chances) away.

“We, as a side, have defended well since our arrival and we are over the last six games, got the goals against column down to an average of one, so fingers crossed we can keep that up, as well as scoring a couple at the other end.”

With a bumper crowd in their last home game against Herne Bay, the Walderslade based Guest urges for a good following tomorrow.

“We are hopefully expecting over 100 again this week, so if you are not at a game come to Lordswood,” he added.

SEVENOAKS TOWN are looking to appoint a commercial manager at the end of this season - due to a domestic move away from the area of their current appointment.

A progressive club with a sound financial basis and current sponsorship arrangements already in situ, along with a very strong and healthy Junior section comprising of some 270 playing staff alone, the Greatness Park club hold a Charter Standard Community Kite Mark achieved by a hard working Junior section chairman and committee.

The Senior section comprising of a board of directors are happy to discuss details with the right candidate (male or female) for this demanding but extremely important role, especially in these difficult times, but for the ideal person a rewarding one.

Anybody interested in this post should contact the club chairman, Tony Smart on 01959 575 763 - or by email suesmart53@hotmail.co.uk.

Please mention that you read this article on www.kentishfootball.co.uk when making contact with the club.