We'll be sorry to see John Ufuah go, says Whitstable Town boss Lloyd Blackman

WHITSTABLE TOWN manager Lloyd Blackman has confirmed the departure of winger John Ufuah.

 

The 21-year-old has left the Isthmian League South East Division side for a higher level of football with Margate.

“Delighted to announce John Ufuah as a new client signing,” said his agent Simon Kidby.

“The powerful 6’0 21-year-old winger spent last season at Whitstable Town, scoring four, assisting seven times.

“He is a product of the Dartford Academy, who can boast Leatherhead and Burgess Hill Town amongst others as previous clubs."

On his client's move to an Isthmian League Premier Division club, Kidby added: "Absolutely delighted with this move.  John has had a great season earning the opportunity to step up to the next level.

"Massive credit to Lloyd Blackman and Whitstable Town for having faith in him and nurturing his talent."

Ufuah signed for the Oystermen from Leatherhead last September and made 34 appearances and scored four goals for the club, before departing yesterday.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for John and I’m personally delighted for him,” said Blackman in a statement on the club website.

“It’s a great opportunity for him to play at the Step Three level and I expect to see him flourish.

“He made an immediate impression on me and the team and we’ll be sorry to see him go.

“He is an excellent prospect and one who will always be welcome back at The Belmont.”

A club statement added: “He is  keen to test himself at a higher level and everyone at Whitstable thanks him for his exciting contribution and wishes him well in his future career.”

Margate boss Jay Saunders told the club website: “I’m pleased to welcome John to Margate. He is a young lad with bags of potential and offers us something to different to what we had last year. He’s quick, direct, hard-working and can score goals.

“John had a great season playing under Lloyd at Whitstable and I’m confident he can continue to improve with us over the next season.”

Meanwhile, Ashford United manager Tommy Warrilow has re-signed midfielder Bode Anidugbe on a contract, having played for both Ramsgate and VCD Athletic last season after leaving Homelands.

Anidugbe also played under Warrilow at Thamesmead Town and replaces Lee Prescott, 31, who has signed for Ramsgate.

Ramsgate boss Matt Longhurst told the club website: "Lee is another massive coup for the club and I'm delighted he's decided to join.

"I worked with him for a very brief period at East Grinstead but it was short-lived as he made the move to Ashford. I'm glad I could link-up with him again.

"Lee boasts plenty of experience at this level and he will be able to help us achieve what we want to achieve next season, without a doubt."

Hythe Town manager Steven Watt has unveiled the signing of defender Liam Smith from Tonbridge Angels, while midfielder James Rogers will be staying at Reachfields Stadium next season.