Jersey game is the flagship of our pre-season, says Thamesmead Town boss Terry Spillane

THAMESMEAD TOWN are delighted to announce that the Jersey FA have confirmed that they will send their representative side to play the club at Bayliss Avenue in August.

This is the result of many phone calls and faxes between the Ryman League Division One North club and the Island.

The prestigious friendly takes place on Saturday 1 August (3pm) and it will be the first time that Jersey have played a Ryman League club.

The Mead’s managing director Paul Bowden-Brown told www.thamesmeadtownfc.com: “Obviously we’re delighted that we’ve been able to get confirmation that Jersey are coming. 

“I’d like to thank Neville Davidson of the Jersey FA for all his help in arranging the fixture after many communications. 

“It’s great that the game will also be played on Saturday 1st August as that’s the same day as there’s going to be a Fun Day at our Sporting Club Thamesmead home for the whole of the Thamesmead area which is being run by our landlords the Peabody Trust – it’s going to be a great day which we all hope will highlight a terrific achievement for the club!”
 
Mead boss Terry Spillane said: “It’s an excellent game to have – it promises to be a great day for the club and I the ideal culmination of our pre-season campaign; something that doesn’t come around very often and we hope that it’ll attract the attention that it deserves and undoubtedly the flag ship of our pre-season. 

“You never know it may become an annual game.  It’ll be a real good test for the season ahead – it’s probably the strongest Ryman League that I’ve known, but it’ll be a great day for the players and everyone at the club!” 

The club have unveiled the arrival of goalkeeper Andy Walker, 33, from last season’s Ryman League Division One North runners-up Harlow Town.

Winger Nathan Korangten, who Spillane managed at Maldon & Tiptree, has also arrived at Bayliss Avenue.

Spillane said: “Two great signings for the club which I think will show a lot of people just what are aims are for the coming season. 

“It’ll be great to work with Nathan as I didn’t really get a chance to at Maldon.  I’ve kept tabs on him and I’m pleased to say that when the chance came he signed.
 
“Andy Walker, meanwhile, in my view is one of the best keeper’s at our level and with all the experience that he has, it speaks volumes of the targets we’re aiming for as a club. 

“I hope that signings such as these and the ones that we’ve already made are a true indication just where we’re hoping to go with the club this season!"

But goalkeeper Rob Budd took to Twitter today to confirm that his future lies elsewhere following Walker’s arrival.

“Sadly I have to say I am leaving Thamesmead Town.  Gutted as I never wanted to go but I feel I have no choice.  I had some top, top times.

“I wish all the boys and Tel all the best for this year and even though I won’t be part of it I will be cheering them on along the way and who knows I may be back one day.

“On the other side, does anyone need a goalkeeper?”

Visit Thamesmead Town’s website: www.thamesmeadtownfc.com