Soccer Shorts: I feel very passionately about rebuilding the club, insists Ashford owner

Friday 27th August 2010

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ASHFORD TOWN owner Tony Betteridge has welcomed former chairman Ernie Warren back to Homelands as the club embark on an exciting new era.

Betteridge and Warren are currently putting in place a new off-field team in preparation for Ashford Town’s footballing return next year, with a group of around seven expected to form the club’s committee.

A Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Stadium Events Manager, Trustee, Supporters Club member and Press Officer will make up the committee, and it is a prospect that excites Betteridge.

“There has been much disappointment but there are promising times ahead,” he said in a statement posted on www.ashfordtownfc.co.uk.

“We want to put together a club that Ashford can be proud of and one that sits well in the community. The committee will help keep everything transparent and correct.

“I feel very passionately about rebuilding the club and getting it back on the road.”

Betteridge would also urge anyone who thinks they can help the club to step forward and lend their hands to the cause.

“We want to hear from people who can help. We are starting from scratch so anyone who can think of anything they can do is welcome to get in touch.”

To make a suggestion, e-mail ashfordtownfootballclub@gmail.com

THE Zamaretto, Ryman and Evo-Stik Leagues have announced that their 200 clubs would all be encouraged to support Non League Day on September 4th.

September 4th is a day when football fans are encouraged to support their local non-league side, in the absence of any Championship or Premiership football that weekend.

The three Step 3 & 4 leagues, whose clubs stretch from Durham to Truro have given the initiative their unanimous blessing, and gone further by agreeing a common approach, as Ryman League chairman Alan Turvey explains. "This is a fantastic opportunity for football fans to sample the unique atmosphere of the non-league game, and we will be suggesting our member clubs make special offers available to fans of professional clubs that will persuade them to come and watch their local teams."

Zamaretto chairman Ken Turner confirmed that teams in all three leagues who wish to take part in Non-League Day are being encouraged by league bosses to give free or discounted admission to season ticket holders at any Premiership or Football League clubs.

He said: "We would never force our clubs to take part, especially if they are already expecting a big crowd on September 4th, however we're optimistic that a substantial number will want to take this opportunity to attract first time visitors to their games."

This move is the latest example of cooperation between the three premier semi-professional leagues, as Evo-Stik League chairman Mark Harris elaborates. "These are difficult times for all clubs at Steps 3 and 4 (of the non league pyramid). As leagues, we can become stronger and more effective if we speak with one voice on key issues, and especially when it comes to attracting new fans to the semi-professional game. Fans want to see leagues learning from each other, and to adopt a consistent approach to opportunities such as Non-League Day, that arise."

FARNBOROUGH boss Steve King has unveiled the signing of non-contracted striker Paul Booth, 32, from Ryman Premier League side Tonbridge Angels.

Booth began his career in the Conference National with a two-year spell for Gravesend & Northfleet. Booth then moved to Welling in 2002 and stayed with the Wings for two seasons scoring over 50 in his time there. Already a proven goal scorer, Booth racked up 32 goals in 51 appearances for Cambridge City in the 2005/06 season before moving to Lewes in the summer of 2006.

Over two seasons with the Rooks he totalled 89 appearances and 54 goals. He played an instrumental part in Steve King’s Lewes side that won the Conference South in 2007/08.

Paul then spent 10 months at Havant & Waterlooville but left the club due to personal reasons. Paul is now joining Farnborough from Tonbridge Angels after another successful season picking up the accolade of top scorer in the league.

The 32 year-old striker is the Conference South’s all-time leading goal scorer with over 120 to his name and will look to add more to his record this season wearing a Farnborough shirt.

King, speaking to www.farnboroughfc.co.uk, says that fans can look forward to watching Paul play.

“He is a natural goal scorer. His ‘fox in the box’ style will bring a whole new element to the quality strike force we already have here. I tried to sign Booth at the beginning of last season and was very disappointed when the deal didn’t go through, but I am delighted to have him now.”

Booth, who bagged a brace for the Angels in their embarrassing 3-2 home defeat to Bury Town in midweek, spoke about his move to Farnborough.

"I've known Kings been interested in me since he got the job at Farnborough. But I have been playing to my local side Tonbridge after I left Havant & Waterlooville.

“I had to leave Havant (& Waterlooville) for personal reasons, I was in the middle of doing a degree and just had my first child. I still thought last year that I can do this job at a higher level, even with these other commitments.

“If I didn't go to Farnborough this year I knew I would have regretted it in the future.

“I always enjoyed playing for Kingy and he knows what I'm all about. I still keep in contact with (Gary) Holloway and a few of the other ex-lewes boys, I have been meaning to travel to watch them play but now I'm travelling to play with them. Im glad, Im glad I'll be there.

“I have played against McDonald in the past and experienced his quality first hand. I've heard a lot about Bubb and know he is a great player too, so I know breaking into the starting squad is not going to be an easy task, but I'm really looking forward to playing alongside them for Boro.

“My deal at Farnborough is the same as it was at Tonbridge. Its purely a footballing decision to play at a higher level, on better pitches and with a higher quality of players and not about the money; if anything it is more of a burden on me for having to travel further to play and train. I know for a fact that Farnborough are a team on the rise and as always my aim is to score as many goals as possible for them this season."

Meanwhile, Angels boss Tommy Warrilow has snapped up strikers Adam Burchall (Dartford) and Sherwin Stanley (on a dual-registration Boreham Wood) on loan and both are available for tomorrow’s home game against Harrow Borough.

DOVER ATHLETIC boss Martin Hayes has acted swiftly in replacing Shaun Welford by signing highly-rated Southend striker Harry Crawford.

The Shrimpers rookie, 18, has already made seven first-team appearances for the Essex club – and joins the Whites on an initial one-month loan deal.

Crawford goes straight into the Dover Athletic squad, which travels to Lewes on Saturday.

Hayes told www.doverathletic.com: “Harry has good pedigree. Southend have a good track record of producing good young players and this lad is highly thought of at Roots Hall.

“We’ve got him initially for four weeks but there maybe scope to extend that”.

DARTFORD officials say they are expecting a crowd of over 2,000 for their first league game against arch-rivals Ebbsfleet United tomorrow.

General manager Nicola Collett issued the following message on www.dartfordfconline.com: “It looks likely that plenty of tickets will be available to purchase on matchday but please remember that Princes Park has a capacity of 4,100 and that tickets purchased by all-comers on Saturday will be allocated on a first-come first served basis.

“If you are turning up on Saturday without a ticket, please leave plenty of time to purchase one from the club shop and remember that the shop is likely to be busy. We have extra staff on duty but can't rule out a queue so do please leave plenty of time.

“Our bar is accessible from inside the stadium so there is no need to delay either the purchase of a ticket or entering the turnstile.

“Please help us to help you by allowing time to buy a ticket. Turnstiles will remain open for a period after kick-off but we don't want you to miss the start.

“Please also remember that we have arranged a special deal with ARRIVA that will allow return travel between Gravesend and Dartford Princes Park on the Fastrack service for just a pound on matchday. Please use Fastrack or public transport if you can.”

MARGATE manager Iain O’Connell has released striker Jean Michel Sigere.

Meanwhile, the Ryman Premier League club can confirm the transfer of Shaun Welford, 31, from Dover Athletic has been formally completed.

With the signing of Shaun Welford and Ishmail Kamara plus James Pinnock and Alex Waugh in the squad, the manager has cover in his forward line and the club need to continue to operate within a sustainable budget.

A club statement said: “The club would like to express their thanks to Siggy for his efforts while at the club during the pre-season and the opening match against Canvey Island.”

IN what is believed to be a first for the Isthmian League, there will be a very special challenge match prior to this Saturday's Maidstone United vs Bury Town Ryman League Premier Division fixture.

Maidstone United Raiders will play Bury Town Wanderers on Saturday 28th August, KO 1.30 at The Homelands, Ashford in an Adult Disability game for what is hoped to be an annual "Community Shield Challenge."

The game will be a 30 minute 7-a-side challenge match played as a curtain raiser to the afternoon's main Ryman League event.

John Harvey, who is Head of Disability Football at Maidstone United told www.maidstoneunited.co.uk: "This will be a great experience for these players , to walk out onto the pitch and play in front of about 300 + supporters , to have the big match experience will be fantastic."

Both John Harvey and his Bury Town counterpart Hugo Corrie are taking the game seriously with much fine detail planning having taken place before the event. Issues such as travel arrangements, extra changing room facilities, match officials, new playing strips and the all important players' medals and trophies have been addressed, along with an all important post match meal for all of the players and officials.

After what is hoped will be a good, fun, competitive game, both teams will stay on to watch their senior team counterparts play for three Ryman League points.

CHATHAM TOWN boss Paul Foley says he is delighted with his side’s two wins during the opening week of their Ryman League Division One South season.

The former VCD Athletic boss has settled in well at Maidstone Road and his side have defeated Carshalton Athletic and Merstham, keeping two clean sheets in the process.

Speaking to fans on www.chathamtownfc.net he said: “Obviously delighted to have two wins from two and equally pleased to have two clean sheets recorded. Truth be told, we were a little fortunate to escape with a clean sheet against Merstham, who had some good chances to score in what was an end to end attacking game of football – the type a manager hates!

“We also had a few chances to score more though with Joe (Fuller) spurning a couple in the first half and with Callum (O’Shea), Nick (Hegley) and Ryan (Restell) all having second half chances it probably should have been a higher scoring game than the 2-0 it finished up.

“It was a very good away win as Merstham have some dangerous players in their side and I expect them to be up there at the end of the season. It is also very pleasing to see both of our forwards scoring early in the season especially as our three original ‘planned’ forwards are all out for one reason or another. Danny Penny is still waiting on his scan, Uche Ibemere should be back soon and Aaron Firth has signed for Herne Bay on a dual registration to get fit.

“The win on Saturday against Corinthian-Casuals was more straightforward and we really should have seen them off in style as we had at least four very good chances to add to the scoreline and 1-0 flattered them I felt.

“There were some very good individual performances in the Corinthian game and a good overall team performance.

“The team performance against Merstham was probably below that level especially in the first half but we showed more desire and will to win in the second half and the second goal was an excellent move involving four players and a fine finish by Callum O’Shea.

“When we play like that with quick passing moves, as we did at VCD before that, we look very dangerous with the pace and movement we have in the side. We got away with some below par performances on the night and were not helped by injuries to David Hunt early on, an early booking for Jason Barton (who we substituted at half time) and then a second injury to player-coach Kevin Watson who had replaced Jason at half time.

“To have two injuries to key players and with injured players on the sidelines it makes the job a bit harder and on Tuesday it was like the nursery rhyme about the Dutch boy sticking his finger in the dyke but we managed to stem the flow of water thankfully! All things considered therefore, it was a very good win when we were not at our best really. I just hope Chertsey sent their scouts along to watch as I would expect us to be much improved on Saturday!”

Foley takes his side to Combined Counties League leaders Chertsey Town in the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup tomorrow and he knows exactly what to expect at Alwyns Lane.

The Surrey side have won their first four league games so far this season and according to Foley are a young side.

“Having watched the previous round between Mole Valley and Chertsey, we are in for a tough match against a bright and lively team who are not too dissimilar to Merstham really,” he warned.

“They are a young side with some dangerous players but so are we so it should be an entertaining game. It was a useful exercise going along to watch them to pick up some tips on how they play, their strengths and their weaknesses and with a very good start to the season for them, you could say that they are favourites with some heavy wins for them so far.

“It is an important game for both clubs because of the revenue that it can generate in prize money and gate receipts and with a potential game against Sittingbourne in the next round it would be a great game for the club to win.”

Speaking about his squad, Foley added: “We have a few injuries with David Hunt picking up a thigh strain and Kevin Watson pulling his hamstring again but we will have Lee Maskell back for Saturday and also we are hoping to see Uche Ibemere for the first time this season as his ankle ligament injury is finally healing.

“We are still without Gary Cook and Anthony Hogg who still have two games suspension to serve so to be sat here with two wins already is very pleasing and says everything about the squad we have at Maidstone Road. Young teenage lads like Ryan Laker, Callum O’Shea, Ryan Restell and George Mitchell have come in and performed very well and they will stay in all the while they are playing well no matter who is waiting in the wings.”

SITTINGBOURNE who welcome Andover in the FA Cup tomorrow - and could welcome arch-rivals Chatham Town in the next round - have received an approach from Maidstone United for central defender Joe Vines, who only just signed for the club from Tooting & Mitcham United a week before the season started. Vines, whose brother has scored two goals in Blue Square Bet South for Bromley so far this season, spent pre-season with Bromley, Tonbridge Angels and Farnborough.

FISHER travel to Erith Town tomorrow and entertain Beckenham Town at Champion Hill just two days later in a Bank Holiday Kent League double header.

With Beckenham still involved in the FA Cup there remains a possibility that the league game on Monday could be postponed depending on whether they draw away to Ryman North side Thamesmead town this Saturday.

Meanwhile the club are pleased to announce two further signings this week, Daniel Dean joins the Kent League club from Cray Wanderer’s whilst Anthony Glover returns to Fisher after a short stint in Belgium – both are set to go straight into Gary Lisney’s squad away at Erith tomorrow.

HERNE BAY boss Simon Halsey has made a double signing, ahead of their trip to Lordswood in the Kent League tomorrow.

Goalkeeper, Steve Northwood, 33, is a very experienced goalkeeper and arrives from Ryman League Division One North side Cray Wanderers.

In recent years the Dartford based stopper has played for Cray Wanderers (Ryman League Division One South) and two Ryman Premier League sides in Heybridge Swifts and Maidstone United.

Defender Toby Ashmore has also arrived at Winch’s Field, having signed from Ashford Town - and striker Aaron Firth returned to the club last week.

"We are now getting the squad we need to make a challenge for the Kent League title,” Halsey told www.hernebayfc.net.

“We intend to give every team in this league a run for their money and to be in there with a shout come the season's end".

SEVENOAKS TOWN boss Keith Levett praised the "desire and commitment" of his players as he reflected on his first win in charge of the club Town denting Erith & Belvedere's unbeaten start to the season with a 2-1 success at Park View Road on Saturday.

He told www.sevenoakstownfc.org: “The boys did very well, and I think the win was well deserved, and I would have been disappointed to have come away with nothing.

"We found ourselves 1-0 down, which I thought was against the run of play, and we played our football, knocked it about on a good surface which was pleasing, and did a lot better than in the FA Cup at Lingfield.

"I still think the movement among the front three isn't right, but I couldn't fault their work-rate, but the desire and commitment were there, and that is the bare minimum we require every week, and will always give us a chance.

"James Gibbons scored an excellent goal, and took it very well, and when Lee Hales came on he did well, kept the ball, and set up the winner. Leon Farrell gave us strength and power in a wide area, which we have needed, and didn't stop running. The back four were solid, and Simon Overland was excellent, so we were well pleased.

"Marcus Cassius scored for them, but on another day it doesn't go in. I think it went through two sets of legs, and Simon will probably be disappointed to be beaten inside his near post. To be fair he took it well, he is a bright little lad, sharp and lively, but I thought we kept him pretty quiet he did have a couple of other chances, and is obviously a good player.

"They could have scored at the end, but the win takes the pressure off everyone, and wins will breed confidence."