Kentish Football 
Soccer Shorts: Margate confirm Bromley bid for Hockton
www.kentishfootball.co.uk brings you all the latest developments in the transfer market involving Ryman League sides Margate, Ramsgate, Tonbridge Angels, Whitstable Town and Ashford Town.
Margate secretary Ken Tomlinson has today confirmed that Blue Square Southern newcomers Bromley have placed an undisclosed bid for their want-away striker Danny Hockton, writes Stephen McCartney.
Hockton, 28, who scored 40 goals for the Thanet side last season, had submitted a transfer request despite being halfway through a two-year contract, as he no longer wants to play Ryman Premier League football.
But Mr Tomlinson is confident that the striker will not sign for league rivals AFC Wimbledon.
He told www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight: “He won’t sign for a club in our division - he wants to further his career.”
Meanwhile, two players that have been released by manager Robin Trott, have found themselves new clubs.
Six foot four defender, James Donovan, 22, declined a move to Folkestone Invicta to sign for Tonbridge Angels, whilst Tottenham resident Paul Abbott has become Billericay Town’s first summer transfer.
The secretary also confirmed that goalkeeper Charlie Mitten, wing-back Greg Oates, star midfielder Lee Protherhoe, and Danny Whisker have all been released.
Margate have confirmed four pre-season friendlies; with Grays Athletic (21st July) and Dover Athletic (4th August) visiting Hartsdown Park, before the club travel to Sittingbourne (7th August) and Ryman League newcomers Whitstable Town (11th August).
Ramsgate boss Jim Ward is preparing his squad for their second campaign in the Ryman Premier League.
Former striker Steffan Ball has returned to Southwood Stadium after missing last season due to his jet-setting, and Scott Holden, who started last season with Thanet rivals Margate, has signed for the club.
And Ward has challenged players who went on loan last season to return and stake their claim in his side next season.
“Obviously over the last few weeks we have been trying to build a new squad for next season - a never ending saga,” Ward told www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk.
“I’ve been helped by the emergence of Dan Tanner and Andy Hadden, who did themselves no harm by their performances near the end of the season.
“The return of Steffan Ball is great, and the signing of what in my opinion is one of the best local players, Scott Holden, is a plus.
“It is interesting to see how Shane Suter and Gavin Schulz do after their loan periods at Chatham.
“Lee Minshull is a classic example. When he returned from Deal after getting some games under his belt and returned to the club a different player.
“I’m currently in negotiations with four experienced players and if I can sign two of them, I’ll be more than delightful.
“Old news now but despite rumours, I never did apply for the Dover or any other job - as far as I’m concerned, I’m the manager of Ramsgate Football Club until someone tells me different.
“We’ve left ourselves plenty of room to improve on last year’s league position this season.
“Many people would say that 9th was a creditable finish and of course it is the highest position that the club has ever finished in, but as far as Danny (Ward) and myself are concerned, we’ll be chasing the eight positions above that, as well as all the other teams in the league.
“I feel that to be more successful next year everybody at the club, but especially the players, have to give a further 10%.
“From the players of course, this will come in the form of fitness but on that front the players all realise this as well and are looking forward to the challenge.”
Tonbridge Angels manager Tony Dolby has made his third summer signing by bringing Tommy Tyne, 26, from Ryman League Division One South outfit Dover Athletic, on a one-year contract.
The strong, six foot one striker, was plucked out of Kent League football at Slade Green by Millwall, and went to Fisher Athletic and Welling United on loan whilst at The New Den.
Tyne made one appearance for Margate during their time in the Conference but in the summer of 2001 he signed for Dover Athletic, staying in the top flight of non-league football.
He moved to Welling United in March 2004, before returning to Crabble in the summer of 2005.
Tyne joins new recruits Anthony Storey (from Lewes) and James Donovan (Margate) at the Betterview Longmead Stadium.
And Dolby explained why he’s brought long-term target Tyne to the club - and hasn‘t ruled out any departures.
“I rate him as a player,” he said EXCLUSIVLEY to www.kentishfootball.co.uk tonight. “I’ve chased him for a few years, he’s a very strong runner, holds the ball up well and he’s versatile.
“He runs the channels very well, an intelligent footballer, coached very well and knows the game - he’s the type of player we’re looking for.”
“We’ve got some (more players) lined-up in various positions. I’m in the process of negotiations etc - we’re all going ok.”
Dolby, however, hinted that there may be players leaving the club between now and the start of their Ryman Premier League campaign.
“Quite possibly,” he said. “A few players might go anyway. There may be players that see the competition and don’t want to do that type of thing.
“It’s very difficult as a manager. I would imagine people will go, it’s the nature of the beast.
“As things stand at the moment there’s no official word of people that have gone.”Ryman League Division One South newcomers Whitstable Town have been given a major boost ahead of their new adventure - their star striker Stuart King is staying at The Belmont.
The 18-year-old, who was chased by Margate, Ramsgate and Dover Athletic last season, scored 30 goals in 41 appearances to help the Oystermen win the Kent League double last season.
And speaking on the club’s excellent website, www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk, the former Herne Bay striker explained why he’s staying with the newly promoted side.
“It’s a new adventure for the club as it’s the first time they have been promoted and one that I am looking forward to after winning the Kent League golden boot,” he said.
“I now want to test myself at a higher level with Whitstable and prove to myself that I can go even further.”
“I want to become a better player; I feel that under Marc Seager’s guidance I can continue to improve and repay the faith he has shown in me since I joined the club.
“It’s always difficult changing clubs. Herne Bay is my home town so it was a wrench for me to leave, but circumstances meant that I moved on and it’s turned out to be a great move for me.”
“It’s been very flattering that a number of club’s have shown interest in me and there has been some very attractive offers made, but anyone who knows me knows that money is not my motivation.
“If the opportunity came along for me to play full-time football, then the manager and the club have told me they would back my decision, but for the moment I just want to play football with a good bunch of team-mates who are also quality footballers.
“I settled in well at the club. I am basically a quiet person but the lads all made me feel very welcome and it only took a couple of games to settle in.”
Manager Marc Seager expressed his delight at King deciding to stay with the club.
“Stuart re-signing is like the capture of a new player,” he said. “He is still not the finished article as he will admit himself, and it’s frightening that he has won the Golden Boot in the Kent League at such a young age.
“The good thing is that he knows that we at the club have his best interest at heart, the better he becomes as a player then it will mean that we are progressing in the right direction.
“In Simon Halsey we have a very talented coach who will continue to work with all the players, so that they and Stuart are as best prepared for each game as possible.
“Stuart has some quality players around him, he is comfortable with his team-mates on and off the pitch and can only get better as a player and as a person. We are really looking forward to next season - bring it on.”
Elsewhere, Clive Walker, whose currently on holiday in Bulgaria until Saturday, has appointed Steve Nolan as his assistant manager at Ryman League Division One South outfit Ashford Town.
The pair were both together at Dover Athletic, leading the Crabble club to the play-off’s for two successive seasons.
Folkestone Invicta secretary Neil Pilcher is close to announcing the club’s pre-season programme.
The Buzzlines Stadium club are expected to play seven warm-up matches ahead of their Ryman Premier League campaign.
“Nearly there, I’d prefer to (announce our friendlies) all in one go,” Mr Pilcher said tonight.
Visit club websites:
www.margate-fc.com
www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk
www.tonbridgeangels.co.uk & www.tonbridgeafc.co.uk\forum
www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk
www.ashfordtownfc.co.uk
www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk
Red Dragon I.T. Ltd