Kentish Football 
Soccer Shorts: We want to return to the Ryman League as quickly as possible, say Whyteleafe
ASHFORD UNITED manager Paul Chambers says he is holding a trial day on Saturday 30 June. He told www.ashfordunited.co.uk: “It’s a great opportunity for local players to stake a claim for a first team spot. All are welcome.” Players should arrive at Homelands Stadium at 10:00am for a 10:30am start.
CONEY HALL have today unveiled Arren Tarry as their new first team manager.
He replaces Peter Allen, who has been at the Haart of Kent County League Division One club for over ten years as a player and a manager.
A club statement said: “We at Coney Hall would like to pass on our personal thanks to Peter Allen for all his commitment and hard work running the first team for the past two seasons. Peter has been at the club for over ten years as a player and a manager. This proves what a great club man he is.
“We would like to wish him and his family all the best in the future with whatever he is doing and let him know that there is always a place for him at Coney Hall FC.”
New manager Tarry said: “I would just like to say thank you to Coney Hall for giving me the opportunity to push the club forward. I am very pleased to be back at the club and looking forward to the challenges the new season will bring.”
CRAY WANDERERS have lost the services of winger Jack Clark and right-back Sam Long, 22, who have both signed for their Ryman Premier League rivals Carshalton Athletic and Margate respectively. Margate confirmed that Long has signed a two-year contract at Hartsdown Park.
EBBSFLEET UNITED’S home pre-season friendly with Leyton Orient on 21 July has been designated as an occasion to honour manager Liam Daish, who became the club’s longest serving manager on 14 June.
Daish took the helm at Stonebridge Road in February 2005, succeeding the club’s previous longest serving manager, Andy Ford.
Chairman Jessica McQueen told www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk: “Liam’s record deserves to be honoured. A lot of people will think that winning the FA Trophy with the Fleet at Wembley in 2008 has been Liam’s biggest achievement with the club, but our fans know that is just one of the highlights of his tenure.
“Working with small budgets, Liam has produced winning sides time and time again, bringing outstanding players to the club and producing great youngsters such as Michael West, Tom Phipp and John Akinde.
“He has just signed a two-year contract to demonstrate his commitment to the club and that alone will help us attract quality players and be able to build for the future.”
She added: “We want to use the game for everybody who has enjoyed what Liam has done for the club to come and show their appreciation. We think it will be a wonderful day that everybody will enjoy.”
ERITH TOWN manager Tony Russell says he is searching for a new goalkeeper coach and to apply you should call him on 07742203248. Meanwhile, the Dockers boss is keeping tight-lipped concerning his summer signings that he has made, saying, “yes, but I’m not saying until I put the forms in!”
Meanwhile, one player to leave the Kent League club is central defender Nick Davis, who has signed for Ryman League Division One South side Faversham Town, despite interest from his former boss Jim Ward, who wanted to bring the former Ramsgate defender to Sittingbourne.
LORDSWOOD report back for pre-season training at 11 o’clock on Saturday morning. Players who would like to attend the first training session at Martyn Grove should contact the Kent League club via the club website www.lordswoodfc.co.uk.
MAIDSTONE UNITED have signed goalkeeper Deren Ibrahim from Blue Square Bet (Conference) Premier side Dartford.
The 21-year-old stopper joins the Ryman League Division One South side after the Darts agreed to release him from his contract at Princes Park.
Ibrahim has been a reliable back-up at Dartford for a number of years and has impressed whenever called upon for first team action.
He has also played on loan for Margate and Sittingbourne on loan, winning the Kent Senior Cup with the Brickies in 2011, and has also played for St. Andrews in Malta.
The 32-year-old is a vastly experienced central defender who previously spent a total of nine years at Tonbridge Angels and Dover Athletic.
He then joined Met Police in the summer of 2010 and played a key part as the club won the Ryman League Division One South title that season.
Humphrey then had a short stint at Horsham in late 2011 before joining Faversham Town, where he was made captain.
Saunders told www.maidstoneunited.co.uk: “Nicky is a very experienced player who has always impressed me when I have seen him. I have wanted a no nonsense centre back who will get his body in the way of the ball and the opposition and Nicky fits the bill. He will also give us some strength, depth and competition for the centre back position.”
Meanwhile, the club can confirm that Ellis Green has moved on from the club. All other players from last season who have yet to sign, including goalkeeper Charlie Mitten, have been invited to fight for a place in the squad this pre-season.
SITTINGBOURNE supporters are playing a charity match against Southend & CMAC Royal Mail workers to raise funds for the cash-strapped Ryman League Division One South club on Saturday 4 August.
The match will be held on the training pitch behind the main stand at Bourne Park at 12pm, ahead of the pre-season friendly against Aveley.
Faye Goatham is organizing the Sittingbourne fans’ team so if you are interested in playing please contact her on 07565 205 947.
A referee is also required for the money-spinning match.
THAMESMEAD TOWN are pleased to announce the signing of Emmanuel Osei, a centre forward who last season played for Brentwood Town and Harlow Town. Also staying with the Mead is midfielder Danny Kerrigan and he joins quite a few of last year's squad who have agreed to come back to the Ryman League Division One North club.
Keith McMahon’s current squad lists Lewis Tozer, Lea Dawson, Ashley Probets, Danny Penny, Jack Hopkins, James Donovan, Chuck Duru, Rikki Cable and Danny Kerrigan.
They join new signings Rob Budd, Ross Lover, Quentin Conteh and Oliver Poole.
WHITSTABLE TOWN boss Justin Luchford has unveiled Richard Sinden as the club’s new first team player-coach.
Luchford told www.whitstabletownfc.co.uk: “Richard has won the Kent League many times, including with me and has also won the Golden Boot man y times not just for club but also the League.
“A few eyebrows were raised when I brought him into Faversham as we already had a decent strikeforce, but I knew from working with him at Hythe and his previous clubs that his goals would come in handy.
“Richard has been around a long time and those that know him will know how professional he is. Football is important to him and his preparation is second to none.
“Every player I have had before has spoken highly of him and he is very well respected in the game.
“He is very intelligent and has good knowledge of the game. He has worked with many managers over the years and so has a lot of fresh ideas we well.
“He is keen to manage at some point so will be looking to do his badges to kick on. He will also do the pre-season as we will use him as back up where necessary and will play a few reserve games to keep his fitness levels up.
“He appreciates he can’t play as much anymore, but don’t be surprised if he pops up from the bench from time to time with a few goals, as he is certainly a natural goalscorer.
Luchford, meanwhile, is delighted to announce that he has re-signed midfielder Shane Hamshare, who has previously played for Dover Athletic and Faversham Town.
He said: “Shane left the club to move to the USA, but unfortunately due to his Visa issues he has been unable to stay there at this point.
“We have spoken on the phone and he really enjoyed his time with us when he moved from Faversham and didn’t take too long in deciding to join us again.
“A few clubs have heard of his return and have expressed a lot of interest, but we have managed to secure his services.”
WHYTELEAFE have reduced match-day admission following the Surrey club’s relegation from the Ryman League. The Church Road outfit will be playing Kent League football next season and as a result have reduced match day admission from £8 to £6 for adults and concessions prices have gone down a couple of pounds to £3.
A statement published on the club website www.theleafe.co.uk said: “Recognising that the club has taken a step down and wishing to enhance their appeal to the local community, the club is making significant reductions to matchday prices while retaining a determination to compete at the very top of the league and return to Ryman League football as quickly as possible.
“We are keen to be at the heart of the local community and feel that offering excellent football at attractive prices will see local interest and attendances increase in 2012-13.”
However, if the club believe that their stay in the Kent League will be a short one, then they will be in for a rude awakening as the division will be a lot tougher and harder to get out off than they think!
Red Dragon I.T. Ltd