Soccer Shorts: Kempster hangs up his boots

Thursday 07th January 2010

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SATURDAY’S League One match between Gillingham and Tranmere Rovers has been postponed.

Local official Ian Cooper inspected Priestfield Stadium and surrounding area at 12:00pm today and decided to call off the fixture.

A club statement said: “Despite the best efforts of Head Groundsman John Plummer and his volunteers, the streets surrounding the ground are very dangerous and present a major risks for supporters.

“Further snow is expected over night so a decision has been taken early to avoid the Tranmere team having to travel.”

All other games involving all other Kent sides are likely to be postponed.

EBBSFLEET UNITED’S Blue Square Premier home game against Kettering Town is expected to be officially called off tomorrow morning, following a pitch inspection made by Orpington based referee, Mr Steve Bennett.

The ground staff’s view that it is very unlikely that the game will go ahead. Whilst the layer of frozen snow on the pitch is only about 1 inch, it means that the surface area frozen is deeper.

The Fleet have contacted Kettering to tell them not to make the journey, to avoid paying their travel costs.

Secretary Peter Danzey said: “We have just had a directive from the Conference to say that in the event we cannot get a referee in to officially call off the game we can after 9:00am tomorrow after consultation with the Conference office and match referee the club can make the decision.”

RYMAN League games scheduled for Saturday afternoon may be postponed tomorrow, without having an official pitch inspection, which hits club’s in the pocket.

“Clubs wishing to postpone matches may apply for permission from the League Secretary with effect from 9am on Friday,” said Bruce Badcock.

The League secretary added, “Permission will be given without the necessity of holding a formal pitch inspection.

“Any club that considers there is a chance of their game being played on Saturday afternoon must notify me as soon as possible, so that the full implications of playing the matches may be taken into account.”

WHITSTABLE TOWN boss Mark Munday spoke about his disappointment that last Saturday’s Kent derby with Ramsgate was postponed because of a frozen pitch at The Belmont.

The match has been quickly re-arranged for next Tuesday, 12th January, subject to pitch conditions, obviously.

"I was very disappointed that the game against Ramsgate at home was called off,” Munday told www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk.

“To be fair it was taken out of the clubs hands and the match referee took the view that the pitch was unsafe and with the main stand shading a big part of the car park side it just did not get any sun on it.

“It’s right that the decision is taken by the ref, the lads just want to play whatever the weather but for the sake of their own safety, and given the timescale of players getting to the ground for some of them; over 50 miles away, the ref left it as late as possible to call the game off.”

"I have been busy trying to arrange a friendly, that’s if we can beat the weather which for the rest of this week does not look good; If we can beat the weather then we will do our very best to play some football.”

The two Kent sides played out a dull goalless draw at Southwood Stadium on Boxing Day.

“I was a lot happier with the performance against Ramsgate on Boxing Day, all the lads did what was asked of them and we defended as a unit, which was very pleasing,” reflected Munday.

“Theses last few games we have competed and the lads should take credit for the way they have battled through a difficult period but it’s not the time to get complacent.

“This is a month where our season can really kick on, but only if they all show the same commitment and hunger throughout the whole team.”

The Oystermen are at present at the halfway stage of their league campaign and are one place above the relegation zone, having picked up 17 points from 21 games in Ryman League Division One South.

ERITH TOWN have announced that Jamie Kempster has decided to hang his boots up.

The extremely popular and respected midfielder informed Dockers manager Steve O’Boyle of his decision.

“I’m sad to see him go,” O’Boyle told www.erithtownfc.com. “Jamie was great to have around the dressing room and the club.

“Myself and the club would like to thank Jamie for his time with us and wish him all the best for the future.”

Kempster helped Deal Town, who were managed by Tommy Sampson at the time, win the FA Carlsberg Vase in the last final to be played underneath the famous twin towers at Wembley Stadium in May 2000.

HERNE BAY manager Simon Halsey has signed former Winch's Field stalwart Nathan Eastwood from Faversham Town.

Halsey, who was speaking to www.hernebayfc.net, says he is now satisfied that his squad is complete and that his players are fully prepared.

He said "I am delighted to have signed Natham. I now feel we have every position fully covered. The players have been training twice a week throughout the festive period and it showed when we played Tunbridge Wells.

“We were sharp and full of energy and looked hungry for the ball. I am happy with the position we are in, being ready for any slip-ups by others in the title race.

He added: "The dressing room is a very pleasant place to be on match-day with the whole squad pulling together for the team on the day".