Walker stays at Faversham

Thursday 21st May 2009

FAVERSHAM TOWN manager Justin Luchford confirmed last night that Clive Walker is staying at the club, writes Stephen McCartney.

WINNING TEAM: Faversham Town's management team next season will consist of Justin Luchford (manager), Ray Turner, Clive Walker and goalkeeping coach Scott Davenport.
Phorograph courtesy of www.favershamtownfc.co.uk

The Lilywhites' boss unveiled four new signings in Rob French (Ebbsfleet United), James Gregory (Margate), and Hythe Town paid Dale Skelton and Michael Smissen last night, but keeping the vastly experienced Walker, who in recent years has managed Dover Athletic and Ashford Town, as part of the management team was equally as important.

"Clive joined me when Jimmy Strouts left the club and has since enhanced everything we do on the field of play as well as work closely with myself to make sure we are doing things right on and off the pitch," Luchford told www.favershamtownfc.co.uk.

"Clive, as I have said before brings so much knowledge and experience to us and his coaching skills are second to none. It is fantastic news for the club that he has decided to stay and I look forward to continuing our working relationship into the new season."

Additionally to Walker and goalkeeper coach Scott Davenport remaining at Salters Lane, Luchford confirmed that Ray Turner, last season's successful youth team manager, has joined his team.

"Ray needs no introduction as his U18’s have just lifted the League Title this year as well as nurture through the likes of Jamie Sparks, Kris Richardson and Carl Hodgson to the first team," said Luchford.

"One of things I will be asking Ray to do is liaise between the three sides from U18’s to reserves up to me. The one thing we have tried to do is to continue with bringing our youngsters on and hopefully getting themselves in the first team. One of Ray’s jobs will be to keep this going and keep me informed on who is performing and who to keep an eye on.

"I have never been afraid to play young lads and that will not change no matter who I sign. In addition to these duties Ray will work closely with me with the first team in providing them with the best possible chance of winning the game in front of them.

"There are a number of things he will be able to help with, but most of all Clive and I will be grateful for another pair of hands, as well as the players will. Ray, in my opinion, is very under-rated, and I believe he will add so much to the first team in a very short space of time. Clive and I are looking forward to working with him and I am sure it can only benefit all three teams at the club.

"For those of you that are concerned about reserves and U18’s, (we) are working very hard behind the scenes to ensure these teams are in the best possible hands and that they follow in the clubs proud tradition of promoting the youth within the town.

"At this time we don’t want to announce anything, but there are things happening and we will have something to report to you all shortly. Trust me, the youth of this town are just as important as anything at the club, and we are working very hard on this side of things.

Meanwhile, the Bulmers Cider Kent League club have confirmed that Tom Hickman, Lee Shearer and Damian Abel have all re-signed for next season.

Quotes courtesy of Tony Gray - www.favershamtownfc.co.uk