Soccer Shorts: I need help to pay Beckenham's bills, says manager Jason Huntley

Friday 20th August 2010

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IN A ground breaking deal, which will be a first in English football between a major football competition and a broadcaster, the Football Conference has signed up to a unique partnership with Premier Sports TV to show 30 matches per season from the Blue Square Bet Premier over the next three years, including their Premier Play Off’s and the prestigious Premier Promotion Final.

In a joint enterprise with Premier Sports, the Conference can now offer those who want the opportunity to watch all that is best outside the Premiership and Football League, the ability to subscribe to a monthly membership for just £6.99. The uniqueness of the deal over and above the normal rights fee paid by the broadcaster to the competition, will see the Conference receive 50% of all subscriptions once a nominal level of subscribers has been achieved.

No other competition has had this style of agreement before and in addition the Conference will also earn 50% from all internet revenue associated with the deal and allow them to retain advertising rights allied to those adverts shown with their matches. This really is a “joint venture” first in football.

Despite the fact that 12 months ago the Conference lost their then broadcaster partner due to financial reasons, they have bounced back strongly from that adversity to again lead the way with this deal.

The full details attached to the partnership are being conveyed to member clubs first before these are made public together with the actual format and first tranche of matches being revealed.

Fans of the Blue Square Bet Premier can be assured though that LIVE matches will commence on the 4th September via Channel 433, at a minimum rate of 3 per month and as little disruption to the current fixture list will take place as possible. The Football Conference and Premier Sports has identified this partnership opportunity and recognise there is a niché market for all football fans who love the game at the level at which the competition plays.

CRYSTAL PALACE manager George Burley has signed former Bromley goalkeeper Wesley Foderingham, 19, on a two-year contract. The former England under 19 keeper will return to Hayes Lane with immediate effect on a two month loan.

EBBSFLEET UNITED are giving people an opportunity to gain a place on the board at Stonebridge Road.

When MyFootballClub took over the club it was agreed that they would have three directors on the board of Ebbsfleet United to signify their 75% ownership and that the remaining shareholders would have one director.

MyFC would like to change this to six and two with the intention that there be more people around the club to help with day-to-day activities. However, some of those put forward by MYFC do not want the legal responsibility of being a director until they know more about the role.

To help with this, it has been agreed that MyFC have six people who attend Ebbsfleet United board meetings for a three-month period and the 25% shareholders have two. These people will be invitees rather than legal Directors, but within three months must either become a duly registered director or will stop being invited to board meetings.

This leaves a second position open for someone representing the 25% to also take up an invite for three months, pending full directorship.

Anyone wishing to put their name forward for the role should please make their interest known to Ed Miller by email - or in writing to Brian Kilcullen, care of Ebbsfleet United Football Club, Stonebridge Road, Northfleet, Kent DA11 9BA.

If there is more than one nominee, the person appointed will be the one that receives most support in terms of shareholding percentages held by the non-MyFC shareholders. In practical terms, 89% of these shares is held by seven parties of which one is the Ebbsfleet United FC Supporters Trust; so if this group between them offers more than 50% support to a nominee that person will have a majority vote.

Applications need to be in by the end of day Wednesday 1 September and a vote will be held as soon as practical after that.

Meanwhile, The Fleet's eagerly-anticipated Bank Holiday weekend clash on Saturday August 28 against Dartford at Princes Park has been declared all-ticket in expectation of a plus-2,000 crowd.

Having liaised with Dartford, the two clubs have agreed that Ebbsfleet supporters will be able to buy match tickets from a Dartford FC representative at Stonebridge Road on Tuesday, August 24, during the home match against Dover Athletic, kick-off 7.45.

The Darts' rep will be located in the social club and only cash payments will be accepted. Tickets will only be sold to fans inside the ground.

Tickets will be available from the Dartford FC club shop from Saturday August 21, with the opening hours as follows:

Saturday: 12pm - 6pm

Sunday: 12pm - 2pm

Weekdays: To Be Advised

From Monday August 23, tickets will also be available over the telephone (9am-5pm) on 01322 299991. Credit card payments will be taken for this, and your ticket will be available for pick-up on the day of the match from the Dartford club shop. Car parking at Princes Park stadium will be on a first come, first served basis on the day.

Admission prices at Dartford are: £12 - Adult, £6 - Concessions (12 years to 17, overs 60s), £2 - Child (up to 11 years old).

DARTFORD travel to Farnborough tomorrow, without Tom Champion, who will serve the final match of his suspension. James White (hamstring) and striker Charlie Sheringham (tendonitis) are both still doubtful for the match in Hampshire.

TONBRIDGE ANGELS chairman Steve Churcher says he is targeting a top-six finish - despite manager Tommy Warrilow stating this week that nothing less than the play-off’s (top-five) will do.

"Everything is ready and in place for us to be really competitive this season and there has been a terrific "buzz" around the club over the past six weeks or so - it hasn’t just been down to the number of wasp nests found around the Longmead,” Mr Churcher told www.tonbridgeangelsfc.co.uk.

"We all know how tight the Ryman Premier League can be, and every club in the division will start their season with the greatest of optimism, but I must confess that I will be disappointed if we don’t occupy one of those top six places come 30th April next year."

The Angels kick off the season with a visit to Billericay Town this Saturday 21st August swiftly followed by the first home game of the season on Tuesday night when they host Bury Town.

Thee club are pleased to announce that they will be hosting a sporting dinner on Friday the 15th October, 2010.

“Grumpy Old Goalkeepers” will star three legends from an era when England arguably produced the finest goalkeepers in the world.

Guest speakers will include the England 1966 World Cup Winner, Gordon Banks O.B.E. and the 1968 European Cup winner and Manchester United “immortal”, Alex Stepney.

The evening will be compéred by third legend from the ancient art of goalkeeping, Bob “the Cat” Bevan M.B.E. who played some 500 games for Old Wilsonians FC and another 200 for West Wickham and Lloyd's Bank Vets and SuperVets.

The evening will be held at the Tonbridge Juddians Club House in the Slade and tickets will shortly be available at £35 per head including a three course meal.

If you require any additional information or wish to purchase tickets for the evening, please contact Colin Fry on 0795 695 4224.

CRAY WANDERERS - who kick-off their Ryman Premier League campaign in Hornchurch tomorrow - are holding another exhibition to celebrate the club’s 150th Anniversary, this time at the Bromley Central Library and this will form past of their “Sport In Parks” display.

The whole thing is from 26 August until 8 September and the opening times are 9.30am till 6pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 9.30am till 8pm Tuesdays and Thursdays. Weekend opening times are 9.30am to 5pm and the exhibition is free to enter.

Young striker Lewis Perkins has become the first Charlton Athletic player to depart for a loan spell this season after signing for Cray Wanderers for a month.

And the Emerson Park-based young professional, who signed his first deal with the Addicks this summer, has not got far to go before making his second bow for the Wands on Saturday.

In a quirky twist of fate, Cray, whom Perkins represented on work experience terms last season, travel to Hornchurch in their Ryman Premier League opener.

The Urchins' ground, Hornchurch Stadium, is less than a 10-minute drive for the youngster, who lives on the outskirts of the town, and he will link up with several familiar faces at the Kent club.

Former Addicks youngsters Rhys Coleman, Steve Lozano-Calderon, Adam Cotterill and Danny Phillips have played for Wanderers during pre-season, while Joe Francis, who runs the educational strand of the club's academy programme, is the club's assistant manager.

Cray's home opener at Bromley’s Hayes Lane is against Carshalton Athletic on Wednesday, August, 25th.

Perkins, 18, was on target for Charlton against Bromley at that venue in pre-season, firing home the opener off the post after coming off the bench in the second period.

Cray then host Tooting & Mitcham the following Friday, before their hectic start to the season sees a visit to Hastings United on Monday, August 30th.

September kicks off with a home match against Harrow Borough on the fourth of the month, Bury Town play host to the Wands on Tuesday, September 7th followed by an FA Cup tie five days later.

And Perkins' loan spell expires after Canvey Island's visit to Hayes Lane on September 18th.

Perkins top scored for the Addicks’ U18s last season with 12 goals, including a hat-trick on his 18th birthday at Southampton in September.

He was called into the Charlton first-team travelling party for the first time for the trip to Stockport County in December, a role he continued to fulfil over the festive period.

Perkins played for an injury-hit Maidstone United in their 2-0 pre-season friendly defeat against fellow Kent side Chatham Town last Saturday.

MARGATE boss Iain O’Connell has confirmed some striker reinforcements ahead of tomorrow’s home game against Canvey Island.

O‘Connell told www.margate-fc.com: “Pre-season has been good. The squad is sorted; we look strong and training has been superb. If I could change anything it would be to have one or two more faces but we have to balance the books.”

On Allan Tait’s (who arrived from Dartford during the summer only to leave Hartsdown Park to sign for Horsham) departure the manager said: “He wasn’t happy playing for the club and that showed in his performances on the pitch. Allan is a good lad but he’s got a lot on his plate with the travelling (from East Grinstead to Margate), work and family commitments so it was in everyone’s best interest for us to cancel his contract now.

“I need to make sure I have players at the club who want to be here, but I do wish Allan well.”

On forward reinforcements, the manager has signed Alex Waugh who joins the club after playing in Division Two East of the Kent County League for West Malling based Malgo (Maidstone Amalgamated Local Government Offices) FC last season. Alex notched up an impressive 35 goals and finished as the league’s leading goal scorer.

Pending international clearance Ishmail Jamara will sign for the Blues. Ishmail, who has made the switch to England after playing in Sweden, has impressed in pre-season and manager Iain O’Connell is looking forward to having the front man available following the departure of Allan Tait. However, Ishmail may have to wait for his Margate debut as the club await his international clearance; which requires processing through the English FA, Swedish FA and his last club in Sweden.

All Ryman League sides will need to hit the ground running; with five games in 22 days, the Gate boss knows it will be a tough opening period of the season. “Canvey will be tough,” he said. “They’ve a good manager – I’ve known manager John Batch a long time – and they’ll be well organised.

“Otherwise, we have Lowestoft and Croydon Athletic, both fancied to do well, before a derby with Maidstone.

“I think the league will be tight this year; tighter than last year so they’ll be no easy games. But I can wait to get going!”

Looking beyond the Canvey game, the gaffer reflected on skipper Jay Sanders’ two game ban. “Jay’s apologised to me,” he said. “But to be honest, I genuinely believe that the officiating at Whitstable was below what we should expect and that in part has led to the loss of my skipper for two games. It’s unfortunate, but we have to live with it.”

And to the Gate supporters, the Margate manager said: “Get behind us. The Margate fans are some of the best supporters in the non-league game. I know, they gave me strength when I played for the club, so give us all the support you can.

“I can tell you, it makes a real difference to what we can achieve.”

FOLKESTONE INVICTA - who welcome Croydon Athletic to the Buzzlines Stadium tomorrow - have bolstered their off-the-pitch team.

“I am delighted to announce that Elaine Orsbourne has joined Folkestone Invicta as match secretary,” announced club secretary Neil Pilcher.

“Elaine, who I’m sure is familiar to a number of you already having previously been at Ashford Town, has a vast experience within football administration and will be a welcome addition to the 'off field' team.

“Her husband Alan is also joining the club and he will be responsible for the smooth running of dressing room operations during a game amongst no doubt a plethora of other things!! I am sure you will all join me in welcoming them both to the Buzzlines Stadium.”

Meanwhile, Neil Cugley’s side have been presented with the Ryman League Division One South Fair-Play Award (a very nice glass trophy) for last season.

The other winners were Bognor Regis Town in the Premier Division and Lowestoft Town scooped the Division One North award.

THAMESMEAD TOWN boss Keith McMahon has pulled off arguably his most notable signing of the summer, having secured the services of former full-time professional Ben Lewis from Ryman Premier League side Croydon Athletic.

The 33-year-old defender first came to prominence with Heybridge Swifts’ youth team. He then had spells as a full-time pro with both Colchester United (1995-96) and Southend United (1997-1998), making 16 appearances in the Football League.

However, knee problems ended his professional career, so he dropped into the non-league game, re-joining Heybridge, before playing for Grays Athletic, Ford United, Chelmsford City, before moving to Welling United, Bishop’s Stortford, Maidstone United and Margate.

Meanwhile, Charlton Athletic’s Women’s side, who will be playing at Thamesmead’s Bayliss Avenue ground this season, welcome Gillingham on Sunday (2pm).

BECKENHAM TOWN manager Jason Huntley says he is speaking to potential new investors.

The Eden Park Avenue outfit must raise half of the £30,000 needed (the remainder is coming from grants) to install a new stand at the club to compete in next season’s FA Cup and FA Vase, although they will maintain their Kent League status if they fail in their bid to raise the funds in time.

Huntley revealed to www.kentishfootball.co.uk that he is also the club’s temporary chairman, following Chris McCarthy’s decision to step aside at the end of last season.

McCarthy certainly made an impact during his short tenure at the club, claiming insistently that former England striker Teddy Sheringham had signed for the club and was to play in the club’s FA Vase campaign last season, although the Champions League winner failed to show in any of the club’s matches last term, despite a massive publicity drive from the club.

“We’ve got a new structure here,” explained Huntley, following his side’s comfortable 3-0 home win over Littlehampton Town, which set up a trip to Thamesmead Town in the preliminary round of the FA Cup on 28 August.

“We’ve got a new reserve side, which Dave Mehmet (who was Fisher Athletic's first team manager during their ill-fated Blue Square South season two years ago) is running. He’s brought an under 18 side over and we’ve already had three of their players.

“I’ve watched the reserves and he’s got another three or four that can quite easily make the step up.

“Our faults from last year were we had the 11 and we had nothing on the bench to change the game and we done enough last year but our bench is (now)looking very strong.”

Speaking about off -the-field matters, Huntley needs help paying the bills.

He said: “We’re talking to a couple of guys at the moment who I know from when I worked over at the City and I’m hoping for them to come in and put a bit of money into the club and maybe we can help out a few of the players and the bills so everything helps.

“At the moment it’s falling on my shoulders so I’m desperately trying to get a little bit of help in, but I’m quite hopeful the couple of lads will come in. They’re waiting for a few deals to go through and if it does then I’m sure they will come and help us.”

Speaking about the fund raising efforts for the new stand, Huntley said: “We’re in the process of doing things with that. We’ve got a couple of fund raisers we want to do, a couple of race nights.

“I know we won’t get the bulk of the money but everything helps towards it.”

Meanwhile, the club have confirmed that talented defender Allie Jaward is set to be included in the Sierra Leona squad for next month’s African Nations qualifier.

Former Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion and Portsmouth striker, Nwankwo Kanu watched Tuesday night’s FA Cup win over Littlehampton Town. The 34-year-old, 6 ft 5 in Nigerian is currently a free-agent following his summer departure from Portsmouth.

ERITH & BELVEDERE manager Micky Collins says he is looking forward to the visit of Sevenoaks Town to Park View Road tomorrow.

The Deres have beaten Herne Bay and Holmesdale courtesy of four goals from on-loan striker Marcus Cassius so far this season.

Looking forward to the game against Keith Levett’s side, Collins told www.erithandbelvederefc.co.uk: “I have a a small affiliation with Sevenoaks Town as my son Louis plays for their under 10’s!” said Hadlow based Collins.

He added: “If the first team are anything like their successful youth set up, we will be in for a very tough game.”

HERNE BAY chairman John Bathurst was gob smacked by the poor performance during last Saturday’s 5-2 defeat to Wessex League outfit Arlesford Town.

Simon Halsey’s side were 5-0 down in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round tie, before two late goals from Michael Jenner and Tom Bryant, made the score-line a little bit more respectable.

Herne Bay have failed to win any of their eight games this season (including pre-season friendlies), much to the annoyance of the chairman.

“The problem with Herne Bay this season is the ill-timed holiday trips taken,” Mr Bathurst fumed, when speaking to www.hernebayfc.net.

“The players are not match fit and it is showing in their play. We are not playing as a team. There appears to be no communication between players and to be frank we are looking like a Sunday pub side playing after a Saturday night on the town.”

Halsey takes his beleaguered side to Eden Park Avenue tomorrow to face Beckenham Town and Mr Bathurst warned: “If we continue to play like this with fixtures against, Beckenham, Deal, Hythe and VCD our season could well be over by the end of September!”

LORDSWOOD boss Jason Lillis has confirmed the departure of former Sevenoaks Town goalkeeper Sean Funnell after two disastrous games for the club.

Lillis is expected to hand teenager Matt Byott his debut when Ricky Bennett brings his VCD Athletic side to Martyn Grove tomorrow.

Lillis told www.lordswoodfc.co.uk: “I’m not blaming Sean for the (FA Cup) defeat, but he didn’t play well. I think I should have gone with Matt in the first place but I decided to go for someone with a bit more experience. Matt is only 18 but is six foot one tall and did well in pre-season.”

He added: “I laid a few things on the line to the players. I told them people are doing a lot behind the scenes and I’m now looking to get something back from them. I want more effort and performances, otherwise I will let them go. I think they knew where they stood and I told them if they couldn’t cut it or give the commitment I want, then they can leave. Nobody has yet.”

HYTHE TOWN would like to remind all supporters that their home Kent League game against Corinthian tomorrow costs just £1 to watch.

The Kent League club, based at Reachfields Stadium, Fort Road, expect a large following of Ashford based football fans, who are looking for their football fix, following the recent demise of their home town football club.

SEVENOAKS TOWN boss Keith Levett is vowing to go "back to basics" in training this week, after admitting his disappointment with the performance against Lingfield in the FA Cup last Sunday.

The defeat means missing out on £750 prize money and the chance of a tilt at Ryman League Division 1 South side Corinthian-Casuals in Saturday week, in what was a mixed weekend for Kent League clubs in the competition.

Levett told www.sevenoakstownfc.org: "I was angry we missed an opportunity to win the game, disappointed with certain players and the performances they put in, and frustrated that we weren't good enough.

"We dominated a large percentage of the second half, without really threatening that much, we had some opportunities, but they were only half chances really, we created nothing and very predictable in possession, the movement up front wasn't there, either, and they are still not doing what we are asking.

"We will go back to basics regarding the work we do and it's got to happen quickly, otherwise we will be looking for new players."

He added: “We said before the game we would have to play in certain areas, and we didn't do it. When that doesn't happen you are really just playing off the cuff, we didn't compete enough, and I thought we got bullied and pushed around.

"I never thought it was a case of just turning up and winning the game, but I think the players thought it was going to be easier. We were just not as it for the first half-hour, and I think that was down to the attitude of the players, and the way they approached the game. We just didn't show enough desire."

Rob Dillon is another new face in the Sevenoaks Town management team, as he has been appointed reserve team manager, taking over from John James.

"I am looking forward to the challenge and the first game of the season against Folkestone Invicta on Saturday.

"We are looking to have a young crop of players in the squad and integrate them with some of the boys from the Welling Academy, and I will be looking to have at least one or two players pushing for a place in the first team."

Rob was with Bromley under-18s and the reserves at Hayes Lane last season, and has also helped out at Dagenham and Redbridge, He has also worked at Kent League Holmesdale.

Dillon watched the reserves beat the Academy under-19 side 4-3 on Saturday with Dean Elliot scoring twice.

He added: "It was a good workout for the boys, and I was pleased with their sharpness. They are still getting to know each other."

TUNBRIDGE WELLS are delighted to welcome three new signings to Culverden.

Darren Ibrahim was on the books with Ashford Town last year, and Anthony Bodle and Alex Flisher join from Maidstone United.

“Darren played a number of games for Ashford in goal and was very popular with the fans at Homelands,” first team manager Martin Larkin told www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk.

“Both Hugo Langton (former Ashford Town assistant manager and now Keith McMahon’s number two at Thamesmead Town) and Joe Fuller have recommended him highly, so we are delighted to bring him on board. Michal Czanner is away in Slovakia right now, so Darren will come straight into the side to face Erith Town.

“We have a lot of competition for the outfield places at the moment but we were keen to bring someone in to really push Michal. Darren fits the bill.”

Adding to the competition in central midfield is Anthony Bodle. “Anthony featured in nearly 25 games last season in the Ryman Premier League, so has a very strong pedigree.

"He is still signed on Ryman League forms with Maidstone who are keen to keep an eye on him, but Anthony is at an age where he wants to establish himself and play week-in-week-out and we are delighted to have him here as he has looked very good in training. He will be in the squad for Saturday and will be chomping at the bit to get onto the pitch to show what he can do.”

Alex Flisher meantime is a left-sided midfielder who caught assistant manager Brad Sandeman’s eye as early as January/February of this year when he watched Maidstone’s to suss out Keelan Mooney.

Larkin said: “Alex is quick off the mark and has an exceptional left foot. He will give us a different option on the left as he is more of a winger than a midfielder like Tom Davey. Alex is also a bit younger than the rest of the guys, so we have plenty of time to bring him into the team.”

Larkin was keen to offer his gratitude to Maidstone manager Peter Nott. “A lot of thanks goes to Peter who has allowed us to sign these guys. Anthony and Alex are good friends with Keelan Mooney, Scott Whibley and Ben Palmer - all of whom have benefited from Peter’s coaching at youth and reserve team level before Peter got the first team job at Maidstone.

“Our hope now is that we can improve them further through regular first team action as they are all players that will only improve our side. All of them are fully committed to doing well for Tunbridge Wells FC and leading us forward.”

Tunbridge Wells moved through the Extra Preliminary Round of the FA Cup to book a date at home to Ryman League outfit Dulwich Hamlet, courtesy of a 1-0 win at Sussex League Mile Oak. A 13th minute Drew Crush effort was enough to steer The Wells through.

“I'm delighted with the result on what was a very difficult pitch to play on," reflected Larkin.

"I'm keen not to moan - Mile Oak were a very friendly club who obviously all work hard for each other, but the pitch was awful and it was very difficult to get the ball down on and play. All the same, at times we did.

"To be honest, early on in the season its all about momentum and we have now allowed only two real shots on our goal in the two games played - and we've kept two clean sheets (it's testament to Michal Czanner’s ability that although he has had very little to do, when he has been called upon, he's pulled of two exceptional saves over the 180 minutes we have played so far).

"Our attacking play will improve in time but both Keelan Mooney and Jon Pilbeam who played on the right looked very good at times.”

“The reward for that win is a big home game with a traditionally large non-league club - Dulwich Hamlet on 28 August, and will be a great opportunity to sell the club to the local community. So we would hope everyone can do all they can to really swell the crowd that day to get behind the boys who will now be the ones who have the chance to cause a shock!”

LEWISHAM BOROUGH have been forced to switch their home games to Ten Em Bee Sports Development Centre until 11 October as their home ground at Ladywell Arena will not be available.

Ray Simpson, the Vandanel Kent County League club’s chief executive told the club’s website www.lewishamboroughfc.com: “This is due to resurfacing works scheduled to take place from 16 August to upgrade the running track. The Arena has been sanctioned as an official training venue for the 2012 Olympics.”