Kentish Football

Soccer Shorts: Spackman suffers freak injury at work

Friday 09th October 2009
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EBBSFLEET UNITED boss Liam Daish has signed former Luton Town and Rotherham United midfielder Peter Holmes and is expected to make his debut at Cambridge United tomorrow.

Holmes began his career in 1997 as a youth player at Hillsborough with Sheffield Wednesday, before moving to Kenilworth Road in 2000, playing more than 100 games in the Football League for the Hatters, including a season in the Championship.

He had loan spells at Chesterfield and Lincoln before signing for Rotherham in 2007. Last season he played five Conference games for York City, before signing for Harrogate Town earlier this season, but he played only one game for the Blue Square North club.

"Peter is an experienced midfield grafter," said Fleet Chairman Duncan Holt, when speaking to www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk. 

"He's not afraid to get forward into goalscoring positions - scoring 11 times for Luton - and he brings more depth to our relatively inexperienced squad."

Holmes goes into the Fleet squad for the visit to Cambridge United tomorrow. A central midfielder for the most part, he can also play on the left.

It was also revealed that Daish expects to send several fringe squad players out on loan early next week to balance the books.

That follows on from the news this week that Ebbsfleet United stand to benefit from an injection of funds with money from the Premiership solidarity payment as well as additional transfer fees from the John Akinde sale now coming into play. 

And although this will boost Daish's total budget by £14,000, Fleet chairman Mr Holt is keen to emphasise that additional funds are required for the playing budget given the Fleet's start to the season.
In a joint statement issued, Holt and Daish underlined the importance of strengthening the squad with the Fleet boss keen to bring in another full back, one more midfielder, and a striker. 

And the Fleet chairman underlines the importance of bringing more quality into the squad in a bid to attract higher gates now and therefore a better commercial turnover. 

He said: "Although we are only a few games into the season it's been a frustrating start performance-wise and I think we now know the reality of how tough this season will be. As Liam says below, he needs to change things around a bit and get some more quality into the squad.

"We now have the John Akinde money in and the Premiership solidarity payment will come in next week. However, I just want to alert members and fans where we are financially in the big picture and what I think we need to look at for the rest of the season. 

“The TV money still leaves a £30-40k hole in our budget, we are £10k down on projected gates. Commercially we are £25,000 light in a tough environment at the moment.

"Now we have £10,000 coming into the general budget from John Akinde and we still potentially may get a TV deal from the league but we need to monitor this carefully. Liam will get £10,000 from the John Akinde money and the PASE setup will get £5k but they have already set their budget this year so they have earmarked £1,000 for their cashflow and have offered the other £4,000 to Liam's playing budget. So Liam now has £14,000 additional funding.

"One of the issues Liam had at the start of the season with the budget was the disjointed nature of how the money came to him so his squad is bottom heavy. Now he would like 3/4 players in as mentioned below, but if we could raise, say, £25,000-30,000 and give him £40,000-45,000 in total, he could really have an impact.

"I appreciate this again is asking for money but I'm sure everyone realises how important staying in national football is to us and if we continue as we are, gates and commercial income will fall further. I personally think waiting for January will be too late. £25-30k now could save money later down the track with higher gates and commercial income. I will put in the first £500 on the 'putting my money where my mouth is' theory."

Manager Daish, whose side are rooted in the bottom three in the Blue Square Premier with only one win from 15 league outings, also told www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk, "As I'm sure you are aware this has been my worse start to a football season. We've struggled to convert opportunities into goals and paid the price in our last few games badly. 

“While I can't question the lads commitment and effort, if we can't score more goals and close out games it's going to be a tough season. 

“I've been working hard to move players that are not featuring to lower league clubs to get match practice and am on the constant lookout for players at higher-level clubs who are not featuring to strengthen the squad. 

“Often you have to move very quickly in a matter of hours to get these players. I am looking for one more full back, one or two midfielders and another striker.

"I know members and fans have been generous in the past but if I can bring in three or four higher level players, I know we can give ourselves the best chance to change things around. 

“The sort of numbers Duncan has mentioned could make a real impact and another £1,200-1,500 a week for the rest of the season - or the knowledge that I potentially have that - would strengthen my hand in getting players in.

"I am limited to loan players until January, but can look to sign players once the transfer window is open in January."

AS THEY build up to Saturday's FA Cup Third Qualifying Round derby at Longmead against the Tonbridge Angels, Bromley boss Mark Goldberg has admitted, after his sides crushing 4-0 defeat at Maidenhead United last weekend, that mistakes - both by the players and the manager - were made and must not be repeated, writes Mike Green.

In an interview published in the Bromley Times, Goldberg admitted his frustration as well as his disappointment! 

"I was very disappointed that we allowed ourselves to get bullied throughout the whole game and with the attitude of certain players," he said. "But, at the same time, I made a decision to change the shape of the side, when - in hindsight - we should have held on and been satisfied to get back into proceedings and maybe sneaked a draw."

"Unfortunately, as we'd been on a good run of form, I went for the win and went too aggressive, too early and - because of that - we got caught very early on with a second goal against us with a shot from outside of the box. After then changing things again to go even more offensive we were even more at risk of being very vulnerable at the back. The bottom line is it was a mixture of bad decisions by me and the players allowing themselves to be bullied that led to a comprehensive defeat.

"I've got to take it on the chin and the players have got to knuckle down and prepare properly for this weekend."

According to the interview Goldberg has reminded some of his squad of what is required of them before Saturday's FA Cup showdown at Longmead, against a Tonbridge side that Bromley last met two seasons ago - a 4-2 Hayes Lane triumph was the Lilywhites sixth successive victory over the Angels.

"I've shaken things up internally and a couple of players are on probation," he added. "But, it's important that we stick together as a unit and - instead of talking about the negatives - we all motivate each other to make sure that we respond. It's not how you fall, it's how you come back."

To see if Bromley do fight back and in doing so progress to the Fourth Qualifying Round, follow our coverage of the game courtesy of Mike Green, who is also covering the tie for BBC Radio Kent's Saturday Sport show.

MARGATE have moved quickly to fill the vacant goal keeper spot with the signing of former West Ham United youngster Dave Blackmore. Dave was highly regarded at Upton Park, playing for the Reserves as well as the Youth team, but the Premiership club enjoyed a wealth of goalkeeping talent. 

Defender, Luke Wheatley, meanwhile, has left Hartsdown Park and has signed for Ryman One South side Ramsgate.

CRAY WANDERERS have asked supporters to watch out for tomorrow’s FA Cup result between Tonbridge Angels and landlords Bromley.

Match secretary Martin Hodson told the fans’ forum at www.craywands.co.uk,  “Just a reminder that the day of our fixture next week against Boreham Wood (at Hayes Lane) depends on Bromley’s result in the Cup on Saturday.

“If a replay is needed we play on Wednesday, if a replay is not needed then we play on Tuesday,” he said.

WHITSTABLE TOWN manager Mark Munday took plenty of positives despite being knocked out of the FA Trophy in midweek.

The Oystermen were dumped out by Walton & Hersham at the first hurdle as they were defeated 3-1 on penalties after the game at Stompond Lane ended 3-3 after two hours of football.

Stuart Vahid put Whitstable ahead only for recent signing Craig Davies to level matters on the stroke of half-time.

Gareth Cornhill, whose goal in Saturday’s added time forced the replay, restored Whitstable’s lead with 20 minutes left. The Kent side must have thought they were through, especially when Walton’s Peter Barkley was sent off.

But the Surrey side had their trump card in Dave Tarpey whose 90th-minute equaliser maintained his record of scoring in every game he has played for the Swans – 11 goals in six matches now.

There was no further scoring until the last six minutes of extra time, when Rico Morris put Walton ahead for the first time. Joe Hitchings, another recent signing, hit back and it went to spot-kicks, where Walton proved more adept.

Although downcast about the defeat, Munday, speaking to www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk, was never the less upbeat about his sides performance. 

“We competed all over the pitch against a very good side who had in Tarby one of the best attacking players we will face at our level,” he said.

“There was never more than a cigarette paper between the two sides over the two games; it was a bit like a couple of boxers trading punches, first one side had the upper hand only to be rocked back on their heels as the other came back.”

Munday whose side welcome Leatherhead (who beat a Thamesmead Town  side 2-1 at Bayliss Avenue in their FA Trophy replay in midweek, where the Mead had Junior Baker, Lewis Tozer, Andy Constable sent off - as well as manager Keith McMahon) to Belmont Road in the league tomorrow, added, “I am very excited about how we played and this now sets the standard for our season.”

ASHFORD TOWN boss Steve Lovell expects to bring in new faces ahead of their next game - at home to Eastbourne Town next Wednesday.

In an interview with their supporters’ club website www.nutsandboltssc.com, Lovell says he is looking to strengthen his side, especially considering that the Homelands club are inside the Ryman League Division One South drop zone.

He said: “I expect to have at least 3 new players starting our next game on the 14th. The deals are not quite done, the clubs have been spoken to and are in agreement I just need to sort out a couple of things with the players. 

“One will be a permanent signing and the other two loan signings. I expect it all to be done by Monday next week. I won't be saying which positions as it may cause unrest in the team and lead to nothing. All the teams the players are from are higher in the football pyramid than Ashford.”

When asked whether his playing budget has been increased or if it’s a case of two in, two out, Lovell replied, “This season I suggested a new pay structure which has been brought in. Unlike previous seasons, this year we have a squad of 16 players who get paid. If you're not in the squad then you don't get paid, simple as that. 

“This should be an incentive to get in the squad and fight for your place. If you don't want to fight for a place then you don't want to be at the club.”

It is clear that Lovell is searching for a goalkeeper as both Darren Ibrahim and Dan Mason do not have the qualities to play at this level.

Lovell fumed, “Both were at fault for some the goals scored against them. Darren has been told all through pre season and the beginning of this season he is unfit, he knows he is unfit. If he had been in shape he would have saved more goals. 

“He got a chance at the first team and didn't do himself justice. He needs to get fit to be a goalkeeper, no chance if he doesn't. 

“Dan was at fault for three of the four goals against Merstham. He also needs to get fit.”

Lovell will discuss John Guest’s future when he picks up the phone and call Dartford manager Tony Burman as he tries to keep the defender at Homelands.

Guest remains on loan at Ashford until the end of this month, and Lovell said, “I want him to stay and will be speaking to Dartford and John but it is up to them. John has brought a lot of experience to the side.”

Speaking about his side’s poor form, Lovell replied, “Our first 20/25 minutes have been good but we go down through mistakes. Individual mistakes are costing us games and those individual mistakes need to be addressed. We didn't deserve to lose the last two games by that many goals.

“These first eight games have been like our pre season friendlies. Don't forget the team haven't been together that long after the loss of a lot of the players from last season. This has been the time to see how the players perform, who can handle it at this level and who can't. 

“I always said after 10 games would be the time to stop and see where we are. The next 10 games are very important, we need to start picking up points. A good run over the next 3 or 4 games could see us midtable.

SITTINGBOURNE have confirmed that former Tonbridge Angels left-back Matt Lovell has left the Bourne Park club after just two games.

THERE are plenty of familiar faces should be on hand to greet Beckenham Town on their visit to Park View Road tomorrow  to meet Erith & Belvedere.

Amongst the Deres playing staff are ex Becks favourites Ross Cable, Danny Beszant, Jaun Ramirez, John Maloney, John Paul Collier and David Walters. 

In many ways Saturday's encounter looks like some improbable Friends Reunited meeting.

The Deres' hospitality is not likely to stretch far enough onto the playing field to make Saturday's game anything less than extremely tough for Becks. Both sides are enjoying unbeaten runs in both the League and Carlsberg F.A. Vase.

The notorious curse of the Kent League "Manager of the Month" award duly struck again. The Deres' managerial duo of Paul Gorman and Richie Radbourne having received their nomination last Saturday saw their side lose to 3-1 to Haringey Borough in the London Senior Cup on Tuesday evening.

But assistant manager David Fells, who was speaking to www.erithandbelvederefc.co.uk, insists their defeat in north London is now out of their system.

"With Beckenham Town coming to Park View Road on Saturday," he said, "we need to forget this result and performance, work hard in training, and prepare ourselves for another tough match.

"We can't afford to dwell on this result for too long. It's important we get the players ready for Saturday and that began in the changing room just now.

"The players are disappointed with their performance tonight, but we'll do our best to pick them up and we'll start again on Saturday."

The Deres have unveiled the arrival at Park View Road of utility player Michael Dodsworth from Ryman League, Division One South side Chatham Town.

The 25-year-old, who has made 4 starts for the Chats this season, goes into the squad for tomorrow’s Bulmers Cider Kent League game against Beckenham.

Beckenham currently lie in second position in the Premier Division table with 16 points from their seven games played.

The Becks have yet to taste defeat on their travels this season, having won two and drawn the other of their three road trips so far.

GREENWICH BOROUGH manager Steve Firkins says his side will be looking to bounce back from their disappointing FA Vase defeat at Eastbourne United last weekend when he takes his side to Winch’s Field to tackle a Norton Sports side that have been described as “physical” by rival managers.

“After Saturday’s disappointment I’ve had time to reflect on the game and all I keep thinking about is the pitch,” complained Firkins, when speaking to www.greenwichboroughfc.com.

“I know its easy to make excuses but I just wondered how many of the top or even mid table teams in the Kent League would have reacted when first viewing the ground.

“I know from experience last season at Harrow Meadow that it was known as the worst pitch in the League, well I’ve got to say that the Eastbourne pitch yesterday made the Meadow look like Wembley Stadium!

“I also feel angry that after having to put a lot of money together to find a decent ground to play at this season teams are allowed to enter a prestigious competition as The FA Vase with a pitch that looked like something from the waste lands from the outback.

“The wind certainly didn’t help and we looked unsteady throughout even when we were 2-0 up.  I think the early lead threw us a bit and possibly thought that we were going to breeze through this tie, but fair play to Eastbourne they played the conditions better than us its just so annoying that you come away from home score three goals and still end up on the losing side.

“The plus sides were seeing Mark Sisson bag a brace which i think will do him the world of good and Adam Wadmore who was our best player yesterday. He looks like he is getting back to good form.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow’s game, Firkins, who doubles up as club secretary and manager, said, “We have a tough game coming up against Norton this Saturday in the league and by all accounts Herne Bays pitch sounds like similar to what we experienced Saturday very hard, dry, but with a bit more grass on, so lets hope that we can use our knowledge of Saturday’s conditions to an advantage. 

TUNBRIDGE WELLS defender Perry Spackman has picked up a freak injury that threatens to keep him out of the game for a while.

Manager Martin Larkin, speaking to www.tunbridgewellsfc.co.uk, explained  how the former Sevenoaks Town defender picked up his injury.

He said: “Perry runs a mechanic shop, and was on the shop floor bringing an old lady a cup of tea when unfortunately someone, somehow turned the ignition in a car that was being worked on while it was on a ramp.  It shot off the ramp and hit Perry. 

“Luckily he was facing away from the car when it hit him so his leg buckled at the knee joint. If he had been facing the car it would have snapped his leg in half.
“He (had a scan on Thursday) and a best case scenario is that it’s ‘just’ heavy bruising, and he will be back in action whenever he can handle the pain threshold. Maybe that’s two to three weeks from now. 

“A worst case scenario is that he has torn everything in his knee, including the cruciate and ACL, which would probably mean the end of his season.

“This is desperate news. Perry he has been superb since he came in, he has worked really hard during his suspension to get really fit - and he commands our defence like he has been there for years. On top of that he is a really nice lad who listens at training, and is desperate to learn and improve. It is a blow!”

Looking forward to their trip to Erith Town tomorrow, Larkin said, “Erith have a huge squad that has been well constructed over the summer. They had a disappointment in the FA Vase last week, so we expect them to come at us.

“Again we will assess what we have this week regarding injuries and then get ourselves set up. Matt Newman was excellent Saturday, so we are looking forward to seeing him again in his new role. Dean Chamberlain is also desperate to improve on his own performance. Dean has huge potential to be one of the top midfielders in the Kent League. 

“We just need him to grab a goal and I’m sure he will then go from strength-to-strength.

"Erith Town will always be a tough fixture - especially away - but it would be nice to keep the unbeaten-run going into our League Cup fixtures with Hythe afterwards.”

Heading into this weekend’s game Michal Czanner got the online poll votes for a second month in a row, and is the Supporters Player of the Month for September.

“Michal is a firm crowd favourite, so I can appreciate where everyone is coming from,” Larkin concludes. 
“However, from his own high standards, Michal did not have a great month with a couple of key mistakes at Erith & Belvedere and Ash.

“He has responded well though and has been superb in training. He was excellent again at Lordswood on Saturday. I personally wouldn’t swap Michal with any keeper in the Kent League (I think he is superb), but if I was Perry Spackman or Sam Phillips I would be having a quiet word with my mates who didn’t log on and vote!”








 

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