Kentish Football 
Soccer Shorts: We'll be pushing for promotion next year, says Ramsgate skipper Dean Hill
DARTFORD manager Tony Burman has unveiled the re-signing of defender Adam Green, 30, after a season playing for Conference South side Basingstoke Town.
However, Kenny Clark and Tyrone Sterling have been released by the Darts, whilst Matt Mitchel-King, Alex Woodyard and Mikel Suarez have been invited back for pre-season training.
Burman told www.dartfordfconline.com: “Following discussions, both Kenny Clark and Tyrone Sterling were offered new deals for next season. However, we have been unable to agree terms.
“I feel I have given both players enough time to make their decisions and now is the time for me to move forward with my plans for next season.
“Mat Mitchel-King is out of the country on business for the summer, but has been invited back for pre-season along with Alex Woodyard and Mikel Suarez.”
DOVER ATHLETIC have today announced that director Roger Knight has stepped down as a member of the board.
He will, however, continue in a role in another area of the club.
Knight, who was part of Jim Parmenter’s rescue team in 2005, told www.doverathletic.com: “It is with regret that I confirm my resignation from the current board of directors.
“This is a position I have enjoyed for over 8 years and one that I feel extremely privileged to have held.
“I have been lucky enough to work with the club for over 16 years, not many people can say that they became a director of the football club they have supported for over 49 years.
“The demands of Conference National will require more involvement in all areas from club directors and due to my increasing business commitments elsewhere, I sadly have decided to go out on the high of promotion.
“I would like to thank Jim and Sally Parmenter and all the board of directors for many years of fantastic football memories.”
Mr Knight added: “Finally my thanks to everyone at the club behind the scenes. You have all been amazing and I feel Dover Athletic is more of a big family than a football club.
“I will still be around and supporting the club so you haven’t got rid of me entirely. I’m looking forward to 2014-2015 season in the Conference.”
Chairman Jim Parmenter added: "The board fully respect and understand Roger’s decision to stand down from the board at this point, although he will remain involved with the club. On behalf of the board and me personally, I would like to thank Roger for his contribution over the years and look forward to working with him in a slightly different role".
ERITH & BELVEDERE are delighted to announce that local businessman Karl Brazier has joined the board of directors.
The Southern Counties East Football League club said: “Karl was brought onto the board this week and he brings with him a wealth of business experience that will aid the development of Erith & Belvedere Football Club.”
The club will be running a football Academy next season.
This academy scholarship will help to develop the future of Erith & Belvedere Football Club and allow youngsters, aged 16-19, the opportunity to forge a career in football and pick up valuable life skills in an education based environment.
The players will have the opportunity to earn a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and also earn additional footballing qualifications such as the FA Level 1 and 2 in coaching.
The players will also get the chance to play quality opposition as part of the Ryman Youth League and FA Youth Cup.
The scholarship also has the following benefits:
• Training/playing 4/5 days a week at 1st class facilities throughout the course
• Study via virtual E-learning platform, not in a college/school classroom
• Play in competitive fixtures
• Undertake work experience in local clubs, schools and Sports groups
• Study in a professional training and study environment
• Access to UEFA A and B license coaches throughout duration of the programme
• Regular fixtures against professional and semi-professional academies/scholars
A club statement said: “This will also lead to the creation of an Under 21 side which will play in the Kent County Football League, we are very excited to have this link put in place as it now gives us a natural transition for youth into the Erith & Belvedere first team.”
For more information please e-mail academy@erithandbelvederefc.com.
FAVERSHAM TOWN will run a veteran’s team next season and will launch the side at the club’s 10th anniversary of its rebirth at Salters Lane with a legends game on Sunday 10th August.
A Faversham legends team will play against the Faversham Kent League Championship winning side of 2010.
The legends team will be managed by current club duo Ray Turner and Clive Walker. Whilst former Lilywhites boss, Justin Luchford, will manage the 2010 Kent League winning team.
A club statement, which was posted on the club’s website said: “The club wants to get as many Faversham Town legends involved as possible in the vets side to help top off the new structure within the club. This will see 25 Faversham Town youth sides proudly wear the Three Lions badge from next campaign onwards.”
The vets will be managed by Rob Beazleigh and anyone interested in getting involved should contact him on 07891197351.
The statement added: “There will also be junior matches and live bands on show, as Faversham Town celebrate the 10th anniversary of the club’s rebirth at Salters Lane stadium on the 10th August.
“It is hoped the vets squad will be able to enter a competitive league for 2015/16 provided it is a success next season.
“The team will play at Salters Lane Stadium once a month on Friday nights, with the fixture dates confirmed after the first-team Ryman South fixtures have been unveiled.”
MAIDSTONE UNITED have unveiled the arrival of central defender Sonny Miles, 23, following his release from relegated Tonbridge Angels.
Miles has been with Tonbridge for 12 years, making more than 200 appearances for the club. He spent five years in the first team at Longmead Stadium, after progressing through the youth and reserve team ranks.
The move reunites Miles with former team-mates Lee Worgan and Frannie Collin. The trio were part of the Angels side that were promoted to Conference South in 2011.
But Tonbridge Angels will start life back in the Ryman Premier League – along with Maidstone United – when the new season kicks off on 9 August with former Sutton United coach Steve McKimm, 38, at the helm.
RAMSGATE boss Justin Luchford has expressed his delight in being able to announce that Dean Hill will be staying at the club next season.
The defender signed on the dotted line last night and will lead the Rams as club captain next season.
Luchford told www.ramsgate-fc.co.uk: “We all know what Dean brings to the table. We need to get him fit and when he’s fit, he’s one of the best in the league. He is now concentrating on getting himself in a position to be ready for pre-season, where we will look after him and ensure he has the best opportunity to give us the full season that I know he is desperate to do.
“It’s an exciting year as it is new for many of us and a fresh start. I have made a few more signings in the past week, and I will announce those shortly.
“However, my number one aim was to get the captain here for next season and now we have done that.
“I’m looking forward to, finally, working with Dean and we can now look to start to build for next season and put things in place before we return on Saturday 28th June.”
Having put pen to paper for the third season in his second spell at Ramsgate, Hill said: “I just want to say how glad I am to be offered another year as Ramsgate’s captain. I am looking forward to having an injury free season and joining up with everything during pre-season.
“The squad is already looking good and with current players signing back on, and the few additions which will bring experience. We will be pushing for promotion next year.”
SITTINGBOURNE joint-managers Matt Wyatt and Nick Davis will be holding player trials on 21 June between 11:00-13:00. Interested players should call Matt on 07951 224 605.
The Wings have signed Zach Fagan, 19, from FA Cup winners Arsenal.
The central defender featured at both under 21 and under 18 level for the Gunners, having been at the club since the age of 10.
He joins the Kent club on 1 July on a permanent basis having been released by the Premier League club.
Day, who began his career with the Gunners, is clearly deciding to bring in younger faces as he freshens up his squad for the forthcoming Conference Premier campaign.
“He is a strong defender with a good background who I have kept an eye on, especially in the last few months of last season,” Day told www.wellingunited.com.
“He is a good size but is also mobile and can pass and play. He’s another player that I’m excited about working with and trying to improve and develop.”
Fagan ended last season on loan at Conference South side Boreham Wood.
Ben Jefford, also 19, has penned a one-year deal at Park View Road, having been released by Port Vale at the end of the season.
He started his career at Reading and then moved to Port Vale. As left-back, who can also operate as a holding midfielder, Jefford has experience on loan in non-league circles, having spent time with both Boreham Wood and their Conference South rivals Basingstoke Town.
Day added: “He is a young left-back, who has had Conference experience with Boreham Wood and Basingstoke on loan.
“We have watched him a few times and feel he will be a good addition to the team.
“He is good technically and defensively sound. I’m looking forward to working with him this season and developing him further.”
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