Soccer Shorts: Sevenoaks Town boss Keith Levett slams players' over lack of professionalism

Friday 10th September 2010

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DARTFORD full-back Billy Burgess has been once again ruled out of tomorrow’s trip to former landlords Thurrock tomorrow, although Paul Goodacre has served his suspension and will be available for selection for the Blue Square Bet South game at Ship Lane.

EBBSFLEET UNITED have signed former Bromley striker Gareth Williams to boost their attacking options.

With Scott Ginty troubled by a hamstring injury, Fleet boss Liam Daish has moved to bring in Williams, a former Welsh Under 21 international, after he became a free agent as a result of the troubles affecting Ryman Premier League side Croydon Athletic.

Williams joined Croydon in January 2010 from Bromley, having begun his professional career as a trainee with Crystal Palace in 2001.

He has also played for Colchester United and played for Croydon in their visit to Stonebridge Road for a friendly prior to the start of the current season.

DOVER ATHLETIC boss Martin Hayes has unveiled the signing of former Tonbridge Angels winger Sam Long, who arrives from Croydon Athletic.

Hayes told www.doverathletic.com : "Sam is very much in the mould of Harry Baker and we're delighted to get him here.

"We were interested in signing this lad in the summer but it wasn't possible.

"Now we've got our man and have the options on the wing that I like. He gives us something different."

Meanwhile, former Maidstone United winger, Kane Rice, 22, has been released.

WELLING UNITED supporters have given August’s player-of-the-month away to the entire first team squad for their effort during this hard time.

Player-manager Jamie Day can only field the sixteen players that he picked for their opening day game against Hampton & Richmond Borough last month due to a strangling transfer embargo.

On behalf of the squad, Joe Healy was presented with a champagne award by club president Eric Brackstone at last week’s game against Boreham Wood.

BROMLEY go into tomorrow’s St Albans game at Hayes Lane with a perfect seven-win record and three clean sheets from their last four games.

Assistant manager Hayden Bird told www.bromleyfc.tv : “There’s a different attitude shown by teams to Bromley than what I saw last season.

“They looked at us and could see some good individuals, but perhaps with a soft underbelly, whereas - this season - Bromley are more resilient and teams are definitely paying us more respect.”

Central to their impressive run of results is an upping of the pre-season fitness regime and a team mentality to creating a fortress in defence.

The head coach said: “Winning breeds confidence and there’s definitely that confidence around the dressing room at the moment that we believe we can go into games looking to beat anybody.

“We worked really hard on fitness in pre-season, with a number of different methods and new ideas. Experience shows if you get the players fit and organised, you have a great opportunity to do well.

“Last season, league winners Newport County won a number of games where they weren’t at their best, but because they were fit and organised, they had the ability to win 1-0. We’ve managed to create that here. That, in addition to a work ethnic and tremendous team spirit within the club, has provided victories early in the season that perhaps we wouldn’t have had before."

The Hayes Lane outfit would like to offer a new reduced season ticket price to those supporters who have yet to purchase one.

Following the great start to the season the club would like to entice more supporters to commit their support for the season by offering an adult season ticket for just £160 and a concession season ticket for just £80.

As well as saving money season ticket holders will also receive first refusal on any all ticket games that take place throughout the season at Hayes Lane.

For all supporters taking advantage of this special offer the club will be offering a drinks voucher for the Glemnet Suite and Sports Bar.

Season tickets can be purchased by calling the club on 0208 460 5291 or alternatively you can purchase your season ticket on Saturday from a sales desk that will be located just before you enter the turnstiles.

CRAY WANDERERS will play in front of the television cameras when they take on South Park in the FA Cup First qualifying round at Hayes Lane on Sunday.

ITV Sport will film the match as part of their Road to Wembley series that will follow the progress of either Cray or South Park into the next round or rounds of the competition.

It will be further exciting publicity for the Wands in what is already a busy year of special events to mark the club's 150th anniversary.

Although South Park play at three levels below Cray, in the Combined Counties League Division One, the Wands cannot underestimate their Surrey-based opponents who have already won through two preliminary qualifying rounds in the FA Cup this season, although their game away to Greenwich Borough, down the road at Oakley Road, in the Extra Preliminary Round last month, hit the headlines for the wrong reasons, as fans and players clashed after the game.

Meanwhile, the club have confirmed that Saturday’s home reserve team game against Greenwich Borough has been switched to Green Court Road, Swanley, kicking off at 11am.

The game has been brought forward to 11am as Orpington are playing at the same venue at the normal kick-off time of 3pm.

MAIDSTONE UNITED boss Peter Nott has been boosted with the return of defender Peter Hawkins ahead of their trip to Whitehawk tomorrow.

Nott takes his side to Brighton to face big-spending Whitehawk in the FA Cup First Qualifying Round and in his website notes to www.maidstoneunited.co.uk he is looking forward to the game.

He said: “FA Cup games always have that 'magic' feel about them both for players and supporters alike and they also have the added attraction of being very financially important for a club like ours.

“Saturday's Cup game is a welcome relief from our disappointing start to our league campaign and I'm sure a win tomorrow will also act as the catalyst to kick start our season into action.

“Tony Cornwell watched Whitehawk on Tuesday evening and came away very impressed with the way they played so we are expecting a very competitive game.”

Nott is pleased to welcome back Hawkins, who recently quit rivals Tonbridge Angels for allegedly being the victim of terrace abuse, if going by the Angels’ fans forum is anything to go by.

“We are delighted to welcome back Pete Hawkins to the club after his sudden departure from Tonbridge Angels earlier this week,” said Nott.

“Hawks deservedly won the supporters player-of-the-year last season and we were very disappointed to lose him in the summer due to financial reasons.

“Pete trained with us last night and he fully understands the budget restraints that we are working to and we were delighted to obtain his signature in time to make him eligible to play tomorrow.

“It was important that we got Hawks on board as Joe Vines now misses the next 3 games due to a suspension that he picked up whilst playing for Sittingbourne.

“I have heard several comments about the amount of centre halves we have signed this season but with Joe suspended until the start of October, Marc Cumberbatch facing a lengthy absence due to persistent knee injury and Nick Davis still not fit enough to train due to an ankle injury he picked up in the first pre season game, we needed to bring in another quality experienced centre half and Hawks fits that description to a tee.”

Nott added: “It was also good to see Jermaine Darlington back in training last night and we are hoping that his hamstring injury continues to improve to enable him to be available tomorrow. Simon Petitt came through last night's session OK so he will rejoin the squad and hopefully Ryan Andrews will shake off a knock that he picked up on Tuesday night, however Butch Ulph and Mark Cornielle will not be available but at long last their injuries are showing signs of recovery.”

Unfortunately after discussions with Marc Clarey and Rob Carter both players have decided to leave the club in an effort to obtain regular first team football.

Nott added: “Marc and Rob both have superb attitudes and are great lads and I would like to thank them for their efforts and wish them every success for the future.”

Meanwhile, former Maidstone United defender, Chris Smalling, reflected on his previous FA Cup moments, when interviewed by www.fa.com.

Now playing for the biggest club in the country, Smalling was preparing to make his debut in senior football, only three years ago.

As a 17-year-old at Maidstone United, the defender made his first start in the Isthmian League Cup against Essex side Canvey Island. Now, though, he's swapped one MUFC for another after joining Manchester United this summer.

However, not one to forget his roots, Smalling looks back on his time with the Kent outfit as they prepare for their FA Cup meeting with Whitehawk on Saturday in TheFA.com's 'Road to Wembley match.

"There are quite a few players who were there when I was who are still playing at the club," Smalling told TheFA.com. "I still keep in touch with them and they’ve always been very supportive of me. I always look out for their results.

"I remember playing in one of the qualifying rounds of The Cup and won our game, but we lost in the next round," he recalled.

"There was always a great atmosphere for The FA Cup games. For the club if you can do well it’s good from a financial aspect, and as a player if you can get past a few rounds you could come up against some experienced League players, which is a big driver for players at that level."

He continued: "I do remember playing in The FA Youth Cup, too. I played in that two years running and we played the same team both seasons, Lewes, and they knocked us out both times.

"They won on penalties the first time, then 1-0 the next season. We were gutted as the next round would have been against a Football League team. Lewes were our bogey team definitely."

Smalling only played a handful of games for Maidstone's first string before joining Fulham in 2008. And he kept on progressing, playing for England Under-21s at Wembley, before heading north to put pen to paper for Sir Alex Ferguson's men.

While his debut for Manchester United was in The FA Community Shield at Wembley Stadium in August, he remembers back to his first run out for the Stones with fondness, a game that spurred on a run in the first-team.

"It was a home game and one of our centre-backs were struggling to be fit, so it gave me my chance," said the Greenwich-born defender who starred in England’s 3-0 win over Lithuania on Tuesday.

"We were playing against Canvey who were a very tough and physical team, the weather wasn’t great either, so it was a bit of a battle. I thoroughly enjoyed it and managed to play for the rest of the season.

"I’d already agreed to sign for Fulham, but popped up in my last game to score my first goal for Maidstone, so it was a good sign off."

Smalling added: "I’m only starting up, I’m just 20, but have enjoyed my path so far. Hopefully I can push on and there’ll be plenty more good experiences to come.

"It’s been really exciting. When you join a new club you have to get to know everybody and I think I’ve surprised myself with how I’ve got on with all the players at United.

"There’s going to be the spotlight on the players as there’s a lot of world-class players there, but hopefully I can take my chance and show that I belong there."

MARGATE striker Shaun Welford is looking forward to tomorrow’s FA Cup First Qualifying Round trip to Hellenic League minnows Binfield.

Commenting on the visit of Ryman Premier League Margate, Binfield’s official website said: “It’s the biggest game in our village club’s 118-year history.

“Binfield are the smallest team left in the competition and Margate are the biggest.”

Welford told www.margate-fc.com : “I love the FA Cup. I’ve had some good days in the FA Cup. Going back to the first time I was at Dover, I played (against) AFC Wimbledon in front of about three an half / four thousand; that was a great day. And then at Ramsgate, got into the first round proper at Nuneaton.

“It’s a great competition and it can create a massive buzz in the changing room as well.”

FAVERSHAM TOWN are offering the unique opportunity for players aged 16–18 to apply for a place on the newly formed football apprenticeship programme.

Applicants should have a keen interest in football and /or be seeking a potential career in sports coaching and activity leadership.

The programme will be based at Faversham Town Football Club’s ground at Salters Lane.

THE PROGRAMME

Successful applicants will be given the opportunity to complete a full time apprenticeship in sports coaching and activity leadership, which includes work based learning, coaching in schools and holiday sports courses.

This exciting 1 year programme will include either a BTEC first diploma in sport or BTEC National Award in Sport, NVQ level 2 in Sports Activity leadership, Level 1 F.A Coaching Certificate, Level 2 Certificate in Employment Awareness and opportunities to progress with Maths and English if required.

All players will receive a sum of £30 per week for full attendance of the course.

THE DELIVERY

The Course combines daily football coaching sessions with classroom based studies and work experience. Learners will be required to attend full time on the programme.

COURSE CONTENT

Football Training.

All players will train for a minimum of 8 hours per week. All sessions will be lead by a UEFA standard Qualified Football Coach. Players will have the chance to represent Faversham Town Football Club at a level relevant to their ability and will also take part in friendlies and tournaments.

Along side the Football Training players will take either the BTEC First Diploma in Sport or the BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Sport depending upon your GCSE profile on entry to the programme.

The BTEC First Diploma is designed for learners who will work at level 2 and includes the following units:

Fitness Testing and Training

Injury in Sport

Practical Sport

Development of Personal Fitness

Nutrition for sports Performance

Planning and Leading Sports Activities

Exercise and Fitness Instruction

The BTEC Level 3 subsidiary Diploma is designed for learners who will work at level 3 for learners who normally have 5 or more GCSE’s at C grade or above and includes the following units:

Principles of Anatomy and Physiology

The Physiology of fitness

Assessing Risk in Sport

Fitness Testing for Sport and Exercise

Fitness Training and Programming

Sports Coaching

Practical Team Sport

The Level 2 NVQ in Activity Leadership will be achieved through your involvement in our schools coaching programme and holiday courses. You will demonstrate competence in the following areas as part of the work based training programme:

Planning a Sports Activity Session

Leading Asports Session

Evaluating a session

Team work

Safety in sport

Use of Sports Equipment

Promote a positive image of yourself and your organisation.

Other qualification available are

1st 4Sport Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Football.

1st 4Sport Level 2 Award in Coaching Studies.

The level 2 certificate in Employment Awareness.

Key Skills in Literacy and Numeracy to support learners who do not have a GCSE in Maths And English.

To Express your interest please contact Faversham Town Assistant Manager Ray Turner on 07725 857696

*The course will require a minimum of 15 applicants to operate.

WHITSTABLE TOWN manager Mark Lane is upbeat about his sides chances of progressing into the next round of the FA Cup, when they welcome East Grinstead Town to the Belmont tomorrow.

“No reason why we can’t be in the hat at ten to five on Saturday,” Lane told www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk.

“I watched East Grinstead and I think they are a side that will suite our style of play; I am upbeat about our chances.

“Look, this is the FA Cup, it’s the biggest domestic cup competition in the World there is; no other country caters for the clubs at our level with the chance to play against some very, very good sides.

“It’s a well known fact that teams lift their game, player raise to the occasion and so do the supporters. As a player believe me there is nothing like it domestically at any level.

“I want all the players to play without fear, just go out and show the supporters what we can do; they know that on our day we are a match for any side. East Grinstead will not like coming to the Belmont, we have home advantage and they are coming into the unknown.

“Although we did not win on Tuesday evening (against Eastbourne Town) the performance was ok, Clint and I can take heart from that and know that we are moving in the right direction.

“A good performance in the FA Cup breeds confidence in the players individually and the whole team; we will be looking to take that into our league matches.

“All the lads at the club know what is expected of them and all we ask is that they play with passion and show some hunger to get into the next round. I will put out a strong side, a side to win the game.”

BECKENHAM TOWN boss Jason Huntley welcomes back leading marksman Gary Gorman for tomorrow’s all-Kent League FA Cup clash against Norton Sports at Eden Park Avenue.

Influential midfielder Nick Curren is also expected to feature against Ben Taylor’s side as is defender Mick McNamara, who has arrived from Combined Counties League outfit Chertsey Town.

ERITH TOWN require a commercial manager, paid on a commission basis, to assist the funding of an ambitious Standard Chartered Kent League Club.

Ideally suited for a local resident, possibly retired but keen to sell the club locally.

Interested parties should contact Ian Birrell on 07956-291274 or Mark Bellamy on 07956-272864.

FISHER toasted a successful “Non-League Day” which attracted their largest crowd of the season for the visit of Ringwood Town in the FA Vase last Sunday.

A crowd of 160 - 50% higher than the club’s average attendance so far this season - saw Fisher defeat the Wessex League outfit 2-1, courtesy of an extra time winner from Rob Hughes.

‘Non-League Day’ was the brainchild of James Doe, a lifelong football fan, supporter of QPR and follower of Harrow Borough, who compete in the Ryman Premier League.

Its aim is to promote the semi professional game in this country by virtue of a fortuitous break in the football calendar.

As part of the wider national campaign Fisher offered half-price entry to Millwall season-ticket holders and free entry to Millwall’s U16 season-ticket holders in an attempt to encourage Millwall fans without a game to watch this weekend to visit their non-league neighbours and show their support for the Fish.

Millwall accepted the invitation and responded by agreeing to publicise the day on the official Millwall website – becoming the only league club in the country to publicly support a specific non-league side.

Unfortunately James Doe’s plans to attend the game in Dulwich were scuppered by transport chaos but Mike Bayly – the commercial manager from ‘Non’League Day’ made the trip down from North London and was in attendance as guest for the day.

A club statement said: “Fisher would like to thank both James Doe and Mike Bayly for the founding and publicising of the concept of ‘Non-League Day’ and also Yvonne Haines and Millwall Football Club for promoting the game and ensuring a great crowd on Sunday.

“Finally, thank you to all those who attended for your fantastic support.”

HYTHE TOWN boss Scott Porter says he is thankful for his coaching staff for their valuable advice that they offer him.

Porter’s side were 2-0 down to Herne Bay last weekend, but thought back to draw the Kent League crunch game 2-2.

Porter told www.hythetownfc.co.uk: “It was disappointing to go 2-0 down to Herne Bay last Saturday. We had obviously prepared for the game as usual and we must learn to cut out slow starts.

“We had spoken about what Herne Bay were likely to do and we had watched them on the previous Wednesday, but we didn't seem to take it on board for 15 minutes.

“This was frustrating but the way we came back was pleasing, to get the draw, and I think we created enough chances to win the game.

“There is character and belief in the side, something I don't think we had last year, when we might well have buckled after that sort of start.

“The quality has been clear later on in the matches but not always early doors, in the first 15-20 minutes of our opening matches. It was the same against Deal and we also started slowly against Lordswood. As the games have worn on, our fitness has shown. The team is fit and we work hard in training whenever we can. It should stand us in good stead later in the season.

“On the coaching side, Clive is always here with me, we talk every day, and we are very close, sometimes he is the steadier head. Denty has come on board. He has been there, done it, and has the t-shirt at the non-league level. He is more involved every week and the players respect him. It is a settled set-up and everyone gets on well together.”

Hythe, who took Woking to two games last season, welcome Epsom & Ewell in the FA Cup First Qualifying Round at Reachfields Stadium tomorrow and Porter said: “Saturday's visitors are in the same league as Bookham, but sit above them. It is a winnable game and we'd love to be in Monday's draw, as well as adding a few more quid into the club's coffers.

“We will have prepared as usual although this time we haven't had a chance to study our opponents. Winning in any competition is good for the players' confidence, the joy is evident in the dressing room, and it helps to generate a good attitude at training.”

SEVENOAKS TOWN boss Keith Levett blamed last Saturday's 5-0 defeat in the FA Vase at Guildford City on poor preparation, and is telling his players that things must change.

He revealed only seven turned up for training two days before the game and described the performance as being "lack lustre and totally unacceptable."

He told www.sevenoakstownfc.org: " It was disappointing because boys didn't make it for one reason or another, our preparation wasn't right, and we took that into the game. Not many had a good reason for not being there, other than they couldn't make it.

"I have to look at their discipline, because we are lacking in that, and it's something we will have to deal with. It all reflects in the way you play, and I told them afterwards how disappointed I was, and we wouldn't tolerate a performance like that, and something will be done.

"I will be true to my word, because I can't sit and watch us play like that. You don't mind getting beat sometimes, that happens, but the lack of effort of certain individuals was totally unacceptable. We were missing a couple, but we can't use that as an excuse.

"I thought Leon (Farrell) did ok, but apart from him, everybody had a below-par performance."

He added: " We had no direction, purpose or pattern, but the big disappointment for me was that some players out there were not trying hard enough.

"It was the FA Vase, there is money on the game for the club, and those players are coming to the end of their time at Sevenoaks Town, If they are not going to play for the club or me, then they have got to go and play for someone else.

"We have got to be honest with each other, if they are not happy, and don't want to play, they have got to come and tell me, we'll shake hands, and there will be no hard feelings.

"We can't kid ourselves that we are good enough at the moment, and there are some players who it's just not happening for, some I inherited, and others I have brought in."

LORDSWOOD recorded a 1-0 win at Sussex County League side Selsey in the FA Vase last weekend.

Manager Jason Lillis handed debuts to Rob Denness and Jason Long, along with the return of Richard Dimmock as the Kent League strugglers comfortably progressed into the next round, although they should have perhaps scored a hat-ful.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS' Culverden Stadium will be hosting Sussex County League football tomorrow, when Rye United face Ringmer (3pm).

A temporary groundshare arrangement has been agreed, following a fire at Rye United’s ground last month, which lead to “The Salts” being out of action temporarily.

A club statement said: “Tunbridge Wells Football Club are happy to announce that we shall accommodate the club on a short-term basis during their hour of need.”

BEXLEY BOROUGH, who play in the Vandanel Kent County League Division Two West, have announced a shirt and club sponsorship agreement with London-based Bugler Developments Ltd.

Bugler Developments have a proud tradition of 28 years of excellence in the construction of quality residential and commercial buildings for both public and private sector clients. Bugler also have an extensive

land finding network, so if you know of any land that could be redeveloped, they would be very interested in hearing from you.

Andy Bugler, the company’s managing director, said: "It's not every day you get to sponsor a local football club. I like their stakeholders and ambitious plans.

“I hope with our help Bexley Borough Football Club will achieve great successes. Bexley Borough produce a great match programme and have a very good interactive website; hopefully our name will be more widely recognized, and you never know, maybe a few land opportunities may arise in the area from spectators reading the programme or browsing the website. "

Commenting on the agreement Bexley Borough’s manager Brian Meany said: "It goes without saying that I am absolutely delighted we can wlcome Bugler Developments Ltd as our partner and sponsor for the season.

“For a Kent County League Division Two club to agree a sponsorship deal with such a dynamic company not only shows the direction of the football club are going but also the positive perception our ambitious plans have made over the last two seasons."

A club statement added: “Bexley Borough would like to thank Bugler on behalf of its members and on behalf of the other clubs and associations Bugler partner with on a regular basis, without the support of companies like yourselves, club like ours would cease to exist.”

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