We find it hard to keep hold of our players, says Ebbsfleet United boss Liam Daish

EBBSFLEET UNITED manager Liam Daish has spoken of his disappointment at Liam Enver-Marum’s move to Stevenage and the impending loss of Ricky Shakes to Kidderminster Harriers.

In a statement, which was published on www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk, the Fleet boss said, “As you may have read Liam Enver-Marum has signed a short-term contract at Stevenage FC.

“Obviously I am disappointed to lose Liam and I know he found the decision to sign for Stevenage instead of us a tough one. His decision was purely a football one and at 24 he believed this could be his real chance to become a Football League player albeit on a short deal to start with.

“I respect his decision and although it can be frustrating for me trying to re-engage players after they have had a decent season here and again revitalised a player’s football career playing for us, I am a realist and understand when League clubs or club’s with real financial clout even sometimes below us in the League pyramid come calling i.e Calum Willock moving to Dover, we find it hard to keep hold of them.

“I know Liam had options at Conference level but wanted only to play for us if he were to remain a Conference player. It was the draw of becoming a League 1 player with Stevenage, nothing else.”

Daish added:  “I am also resigned to losing Ricky Shakes to Kidderminster Harriers, also for footballing reasons. After a meeting with Ricky last week it was clear that the offer of full-time football at Kidderminster and a new challenge really was behind his thinking.

“Again I am disappointed at losing Ricky – both he and Liam were great to work with and good men.

“The Michael West situation is ongoing and I cannot really elaborate on it at this stage; as I said earlier, I do not expect Michael to be playing in an Ebbsfleet shirt next season.

“On a more positive note Ram Marwa is ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation with his knee injury and Cesc Fakinos is hopefully also coming back for pre-season to prove his fitness.

“Regarding other signings, I have been very close to signing targets especially in the forward and attacking department but have narrowly missed out on them for differing reasons.

“We will continue to keep trying to get the right players in that suit us and also remember that the season doesn’t start until August 11 not July 11.”

Enver-Marum, who scored 17 goals in 40 games in 2011-12, paid tribute to the club saying he thanked everyone at the Kent club for giving him much love and support and that it was a really hard decision to leave Stonebridge Road, but he had to take the chance to play League One football.

Visit Ebbsfleet United’s website: www.ebbsfleetunited.co.uk