Close Season - News In Brief (20/6/05)

As we revamp the website, this page contains our "News in Brief" articles.  The oldest stories are at the bottom of the page.

We shall, however, publish News in Brief articles during the course of the season.

Defender Mario Celiare made a quick return to Eden Park Avenue last week as he picked up his "Man of the Match" award at the club's presentation evening.  "Super" Mario was one of Beckenham's favourite "sons", but has recently signed a one-year contract with their Kent League rivals Maidstone United.


One of the most influential men in Kent rugby, Roger Kelsey, has died. Roger had recently been elected the Kent RFU president elect, served on numerous rugby committees and his roles also included being BBC Radio Kent's rugby union correspondent, a job he undertook diligently for more than two years. Our thoughts are with Roger's family.


Following an excellent season, Ben Lasslett, who clinched the Players' Player of the Year accolade, has put pen to paper on a new contract with Kent League double winners Ramsgate, as manager Jim Ward prepares for life in the Ryman League Division One.


Folkestone Invicta manager Neil Cugley has confirmed the signing of Stuart Myall from Eastbourne Borough after the midfielder finished last season on loan at the Cheriton Road club.

Myall joins midfielder Matt Bower and striker Paul Jones, who both joined from Ashford Town, as Invicta's summer signings.

And the manager has responded to website rumours by adding that none of his players are likely to be released by the club during the close season.

"I can categorically deny that we have any intention of selling any of our players," insists Cugley.  "There has been interest from other clubs in some of our players - which in some ways is a good thing - but as the league we are in will be stronger next season and as one of the top non-league clubs in Kent now, we do not feel that it is in our best interests to let any of our players go," he told the club's website.

"It would be a different matter if any of our players were offered the chance to go full-time on football as then we would not want to stand in their way," Cugley added.


The Kent League were both delighted and proud to announce to their member clubs at last night's AGM at Lordswood FC, that they have secured a three year deal with Kent on Sunday Media Ltd to sponsor the league, replacing Go Travel.  A full press statement will be issued shortly.

Ryman League Division One club Ashford Town have issued the following statement:

Tonbridge Angels' have launched "Angels Aid Part 2."

Have you ever wanted to play on the "hallowed turf" at Longmead Stadium - well, now you can.

Doblers (Tony Dolby) Dynamos take on Ruthers (Mike Rutherford) Rovers on Sunday 24th July (2pm kick off).

Each team will include some of the Ryman League Division One club's current first team squad.

Places are available at £50 each but players have to be over the age of sixteen.

And players' have the chance to be on the substitutes bench for one of the club's pre-season friendly.

Meanwhile, the club have arranged a match against Arsenal on Sunday 25th September (2pm kick off).  An Arsenal Vets side will take on a Tonbridge Angels Veteran side.

Please contact Peter Ide for more details: 

peter@ide206.fsnet.co.uk




The Dover Athletic Supporters' Club have issued the following statement:

There have been four separate weekend dates scheduled (for fans to assist with ground work), these being Saturday 18th June, Sunday 26th June, Sunday 3rd July and Saturday 9th July.

The working day will be from 10am to 4pm.  In addition to this, any Wednesday throughout the close season, volunteers can go to the ground to assist.

Kent League side Tunbridge Wells have tonight announced a 3-year "substantial" club sponsorship deal with a large North London construction company.  The Culverden Stadium club will issue further details within the next seven days.

A small band of Tonbridge Angels' supporters need YOUR help.

They are hoping to gather together as much Tonbridge Angels FC memorabilia as is physically possible, in preparation for the production of a book to celebrate the club's 60th Anniversary in 2008.

They are looking to collect programmes, articles, photos, press cuttings and other memorabilia on the club.

Also, they are particularly interested to complete the all-time statistics for the club since 1948 (results, scorers, recorded attendance and team line up) with any amount of information, small or large.

They are also interested in any personal recollections from supporters, and particularly any photographs of the club's former Angel Ground.

Everything used will be returned to their owners and anyone who can dedicate a small amount of time to the project are most welcome.

If you can help please email:

angelsappeal@gmail.com 



The first cup competition for the 2005-06 season was made on Saturday at the Southern League's AGM in Stratford-upon-Avon.

The league's three Kent sides now know who they will face in the first round of the Southern League Cup.

Sittingbourne travel to Barking & East Ham United but Dartford have drawn fellow Kent rivals Chatham Town at Stonebridge Road.

Games have been penciled in for Tuesday 25th October, but will be confirmed nearer the date.

As expected the Coca-Cola League and Nationwide Conference will have to abide by the FIFA "transfer window" rule next season.

The Football Conference AGM in Birmingham on Saturday were informed that the ruling would be enforced from season 2005-06, despite lobbying by the FA to FIFA.

However, the rule does not apply to the Nationwide North or South or feeder leagues below that.

As in the Premiership, Conference National clubs will not only be allowed to sign players up until the end of August and then when the "window" opens in January.

Special dispensation will only be given to clubs in search of a goalkeeper because of injury etc.

We were unable to contact Gravesend & Northfleet manager Liam Daish earlier today (Sunday 12th July).

Ashford Town's under 15's host Aldershot Town on Sunday 31st July at The Homelands, kicking off at 11:00am.  Then a week later, on the 7th August, they are staging the Ashford Town Youth Festival, when teams from Millwall, Gillingham, AFC Wimbledon and hosts Ashford Town compete in a cup competition at The Homelands.


Ashford Town's highly-rated under 14's squad successfully took the Castle Colts title after finishing top of the league.  Competing against eight other teams they went through the tournament unbeaten, winning five and drawing three.  Stand-in goalkeeper Liam Holman only conceded one goal throughout the entire tournament, while Ben Ross (5 goals), Jack Ransley (4), Danny Smith and Ricky Harden shared the eleven goals scored.

The victorious squad were: Liam Holman, Danny Keen, Danny Shearing, Alex Shell, Ricky Harden, Danny Smith, Jack Ransley and Ben Ross.


Sittingbourne's newly formed under 14 youth side are looking for talented players for next season.   Anybody interested must be under the age of 14 on 31st August 2005. Contact Nick Rogers for further information (07932 597021)



Sporting Bengal United, who are based at the Mile End Stadium, East London, are in need of home and away friendlies as they prepare for their third season in the Kent League.  For more details, please contact Sana Miah on 07903 867 333.


Bromley have today (7th June) confirmed that work on their main stand at their Hayes Lane ground has started and is likely to take several months.  A new function room and boardroom are being built above the current changing rooms.  This will allow the Ryman Premier League club to get rid of the current temporary ones.

The work is being funded by the Football Foundation, as is the work being undertaken on the playing surface.


Season ticket prices at Ryman League division one club Ashford Town have been held for the third consecutive season, and with an additional team in the division, fans at The Homelands are effectively getting the best price the club has been able to offer before.  In addition, there is the usual early payment discount of £10 per season ticket application provided payment is received before 30th June 2005.

Match day prices at the Homelands are £7 (adults), £5 (concessions) and an extra charge of £1 to sit in the stand.

To apply for your season ticket and for more details visit the club's website:
 www.ashfordtownfc.co.uk



Torrential rain in the Margate area yesterday has stopped work at Hartsdown Park.  With another 100mm of topsoil still to be spread across the pitch the Ryman Premier League club estimate that this will set them back by two days.  The turf was due to start arriving on Tuesday 7th June but has now been delayed until the 9th June.  The club admit: "Whilst this is a disappointment, it is not causing concern for the overall completion date."


Former Kent League side Snowdown Colliery Welfare finished their season with a trophy after beating Sharsted 2-1 in the Joe French Trophy at Herne Bay's Winch's Field thanks to two goals from Adam Kent.  The club has also gained promotion to the premier division of the Canterbury & District League after finishing runners-up to Minster in division one.  The club had earlier withdrawn from the Kent County League and the players left and joined forces with the reserves to become one separate club so the former mining village of Aylesham could have a successful side once more.


After replying to an advert on THIS WEBSITE, Barry Feist has been appointed the new programme editor for Kent League side Slade Green. 

Having held the position since 1988 a mixture of work and family commitments has forced Robert Smith to step down from the position.  

Feist boasts a wealth of knowledge not only on the Kent League circuit but also all football in the county from the Nationwide Conference down to the Kent County League.  

He joins the Small Glen outfit from last season's runaway Kent County League champions Cray Valley with whom he was press officer, programme editor and website administrator.

Speaking about his appointment, Feist said: "I would like to thank Robert Smith and the committee for welcoming me on board as programme editor at Slade Green Football Club.

"Towards the end of last season I realised that personal commitments were impacting on my role as press officer for Cray Valley PM Football Club, where I was spending nearly 30 hours a week on football related duties and felt that it was too much to juggle between my job and family.

"When I applied for the position as programme editor for Slade Green F.C. I didn't honestly think that I stood a chance of being appointed, but after several conversations with Robert (Smith) I am looking forward to the challenge next season and working with everyone at the club, especially managers Phil (Miles) and Terry (Malin).

"I hope that the knowledge of Kent football that I bring with me will provide the supporters with some interesting reading in next season's programmes."


Dartford striker Tostao Kwashi has requested and has been given permission from the Southern League club to travel to Vietnam during the summer.  There, he will primarily be involved in the coaching of school children although he may well have the opportunity to play for a local club.  Before leaving, the Zimbabwean international stressed to the club that upon his return he wants to rejoin the club for the forthcoming season, having attracted the attention of Kent clubs Welling United and Tonbridge Angels last season.

Gravesend & Northfleet have today announced the signing of former Welling United midfielder Danny Slatter on a one-year full-time contract.  The former Chelsea and Welsh under 21 international spent four seasons at Stamford Bridge and also played on loan for Cardiff City, Dundee United and Walsall before his release in the 2002-03 campaign.  The 24-year-old has also played for Chelmsford City.

Fleet boss Liam Daish is reaping the benefits of turning professional.  "They are desperate and keener to get back into full-time football and that's their pull," he said.  "It's not about the money so much, they want to be labelled as their occupation as full-time footballers and they want to work at their game and become better players.  

"That's been the main pull, that we can offer them the chance to be full-time pro's again."


Beckenham Town have been quick to react to news stories about highly rated defender Mario Celaire's departure to Kent League rivals Maidstone United.

In a statement issued by the Eden Park Avenue club today, it was made clear the player remains with the club and forms an integral part of the club's future plans.

The statement went on to say: "The club are in active negotiations with several players from outside the Kent League and we certainly would not expect to lose players to other Kent League clubs."


Gravesend & Northfleet Ladies Football Club have announced their pre-season training starts on Tuesday 7th and Thursday 9th June at their ground at the AEI Sports and Social Club, Kings Farm, Gravesend, Kent DA12 5NN.  Training, which starts at 7pm, lasts two hours.

Training is organised by an FA qualified coach.  The club caters for female players aged 14+.  

In a statement, the club said: "We welcome both beginners and experienced players to our sessions.  We are seeking players to cover all positions as we are hoping to start a new team this season to support our current first team."

Summer training is held outdoors at their ground every Tuesday and Thursday from 7pm.

Please contact the club for more information or come along on a training night to meet club personnel and see for yourself what it's all about.

The club are hoping to offer places for everyone wanting to take up the sport.

For more details contact Tina Martin on 07732 148 011 
(Please state you read this article on www.kentishfootball.co.uk)

Please visit the club's website:
www.intheteam.com/gravesendladiesfc


Faversham Town, who appointed Terry Cordice as their manager last week, have arranged a pre-season friendly with Southern League neighbours Sittingbourne.  The match takes place at Salters Lane, Faversham on Thursday 21st July (7:30pm).

The match is for the "Bob Amor" Trophy, last played for some twenty years ago.  

If anyone knows the whereabouts of the original trophy, should contact Sittingbourne FC by visiting their website www.sittingbournefc.co.uk

Frenchman Jean Michel Sigere has signed for Nationwide South club Lewes after rejecting an offer of a full-time contract with Nationwide Conference club Gravesend & Northfleet.

The former Bordeaux, Rushden & Diamonds, Stevenage Borough and Margate striker, joined the Fleet in March after a spell in the Ryman Premier League with Heybridge Swifts.

"We offered him what I felt was a good deal and he was someone I wanted to keep," said Fleet boss Liam Daish.  "He wanted more and I wasn't prepared to meet what he was after."

Scott Gooding, 23, has joined Nationwide Conference club Gravesend & Northfleet on a full-time contract.  The versatile defender can play at either right back of in the centre of defence.

Having started his career at Crystal Palace where he played alongside former Woking star Jon Boardman, he was released from Selhurst Park in July 2002.  After a brief spell in the Ryman League for Whyteleafe, he joined Hornchurch on a full-time basis and was one of the last to leave the club after their much publicised financial collapse.

From Hornchurch he joined Crawley Town where he remained until the end of last season.


Minerva Spartan South Midlands League club Haringey Borough have announced the appointment of Julian Josef Hudson as their new manager.

Hudson has been appointed to manage and oversee the development of football at the North London club.

He replaces former Chatham Town midfielder Kenny Dyer, who did a tremendous job in steering the club away from the relegation spots last season and everyone at the club is delighted that his outstanding talents have secured him a managerial position in the professional football field overseas (although the destination is unknown).




Slade Green striker Dean Bowey has admitted to this website that he hasn't made up his mind whether to hang up his boots this summer.  Bowey, who scored 11 goals last season for the Small Glen outfit, has netted 305 goals in 438 games and turns 41 in September.

"Don't know yet," was his answer when asked if he was going to retire, as he hinted he was going to do at the end of the season.  "Haven't made my mind up yet - it's a big decision for me and I want to make sure I make the right one."



Southern Leaguers Dartford are pleased to announce that a new sponsorship agreement has been reached with local company Evrige Engineering of South Darenth, who will sponsor the Darts' new yellow away strip for next season.  The new strip, which will be worn for all away games, will bear the Evridge Engineering logo.

Meanwhile, the club have announced their season ticket prices for the 2005-2006 campaign:

Adults (£126), Senior Citizens (£72), Under 16 (£54), Under 14/Junior Darts (£10) but over 80's can watch the Darts at Stonebridge Road for free.


Ashford Town are looking to strengthen their under 15s and under 14s squads for next season for their MUSH Kent Youth League campaigns.  Players who feel they can compete at county level who are willing to commit to two training sessions and three pre-season sessions per week should contact Vince Shell on 07919 174 509.  Both teams are run by UEFA B coaches and commitment is just as essential as ability.


Orpington & Bromley District Sunday Football League Senior Division outfit Midfield (Kent) FC are searching for someone with good experience to take charge of team affairs only for next season.  Bob Dine, who represents the club said: "We have a strong squad comprising several current or ex-semi pro players and our home ground is the superb HSBC sports ground in Beckenham."

Interested parties should email (stating you read the advert on this website)

PRISMPRINTMGMT@aol.com


Maidstone United will be missing key figures when they begin their FA Vase and FA Cup campaigns next season.  With the dates of next season's FA competitions released Lloyd Hume will be without three key players for the FA Cup first qualifying round (if they qualify).  Both Jimmy Strouts and Simon Austin are suspended between the 6th and 11th September whilst goalkeeper Paul Mullins misses a whole month of action following his sending off,  between the 5th September running through to the 2nd October.


Dover Athletic are delighted to announce that goalkeeper Paul Hyde has signed a one-year contract to stay with the Ryman League Division One club.  Chairman Jim Parmenter said that Hyde will be player-coach next season and is an invaluable asset for the club's promotion push.


The Annual Dartford Football Club Golf Day is being held at Redlibbets Golf Club, Manor Lane, West Yoke, Ash, Sevenoaks on Monday 18th July (from 12 noon). The entry fee per team, which includes bacon rolls, 18 holes of golf and an evening meal, is £250.  There is also a chance to win a car, donated by SMC Ford (Crayford).  Further details can be obtained from David Skinner 07885 221 018.


Erith & Belvedere have confirmed that Steve Robinson and Grant Spelling have left the club today.  A board meeting will take place tonight (Wednesday 11th May) to discuss the next steps and the coming season.  A further statement will be made shortly.


Following lies posted on internet message boards regarding the future of Ashford Town, the club's chief executive has confirmed the club will NOT be resigning from the Ryman League.

"Usual utter rubbish I'm afraid," was the response from Mark Jenner over the claims.  "Neither Tim Thorogood (chairman) nor I would ever consider such a suggestion.

"Our aim is to play at the highest level possible.  At the moment that's Ryman League Division One but we have the desire and ambition to go higher.  Achieving it isn't as easy as we know."


Sevenoaks Town Football Club are looking to strengthen their youth setup in the Kent Youth League next season.  Players are required in the age groups under 17 (for a two-year programme) under 16s and under 15.  Youth managerial positions are also under review.  A full squad in any of these age groups will also be considered.  

The Greatness Park outfit are also keen to field a ladies team for the new season.

Further details from the club's chairman by email  smartbus@ntlworld.com  or by calling Graham Logsdon 07980 630 441 or by email 
catchall@sevenoakstownfc.org


The appeals lodged by Lymington & New Milton FC and Walton Casuals FC against the decisions not to be award the clubs a Grade E category have today been heard by The Football Association.

The appeals were both upheld.  This now mans that there are nine champion clubs eligible to be considered for promotion to step 4 of the National League System.

As only eight places are available, a play-off match will need to be arranged.  

We shall bring you the details when they are announced on Wednesday and reaction from Kent League double winners Ramsgate if the Rams are unluckily involved in the play-offs - especially when they were earlier told that they had avoided that scenario.


Top scorer Chris Dickson scooped two awards at the Erith & Belvedere presentation night.  The highly-rated striker was voted Supporters' Player and Club Website player of the year.  Reserve team manager Wayne Baldachino was voted Clubman of the year and the Chairman's Trophy was awarded to Tom Maycock.  Experienced defender Wayne Brown was voted Players' Player of the season.


A dramatic last game of the season saw Dartford's under 18's take the MUSH Kent Youth League Central Division title with a 4-0 win at Folkestone Invicta on Sunday.  Two goals apiece from Dominic Elmes and Nick Reeves gave the Darts the victory they so thoroughly deserved and to give them a league and cup double.

Meanwhile, the club have released details of last Friday's presentation night, held at the Amar Hall.

Striker Tostao Kwashi took the Supporters' Association Player of the Year and also the Grassbank Trophy, awarded by the club's travelling supporters.

Tommy Osborne got the vote from his team-mates and Richard Avery took the accolade from his manager, Tony Burman.

There was a shared award for Dominic Elmes and Craig Maguire as Young Players' of the year.

Ben Rainbow and Tommy Hawkes took the Reserves awards for Managers and Supporters' Player of the Year respectively.

The youth team vote went to Dominic Elmes.

Dartford have already arranged three pre-season friendlies and they are all away to Thamesmead Town (23rd July), Horley Town (30th July) and Lowestoft Town (6th August).


There are reports that Sam Wright is stepping down after a very successful spell as the reserve team manager at Cray Wanderers.  Under his reign the team won the Kent League Division One championship and League Cup double in 2002-03 (mirroring the first team who did the same double in the Kent League Premier Division).  They won the Kent League Reserve Division Cup again in 2003-04 plus the Kent Intermediate Cup too.  This season he has led the team to third place in division one, finishing six points behind Erith & Belvedere and Maidstone United in the table.


The second phase of work on Beckenham Town's excellent pitch at Eden Park Avenue starts this week.  The new pitch was laid last summer and finished the season in excellent condition; nevertheless the drainage improvement work stretches over a three-year period.  The second phase consists of laying a further 100 tons of sand on the pitch, verti-draining and re-seeding.

Beckenham Town officials, however, seem rather coy at the moment, unwilling to disclose the extent of the next phase of improvement works planned at Eden Park Avenue.  High on the list of priorities is the re-building of a new clubhouse.  Plans are being prepared which should be submitted for planning shortly.

In the first season of their ban from FA competitions, Beckenham Town still managed to play 39 competitive first team games.  They played 30 Kent League games, five Kent Senior Trophy ties, one League Cup game and two Surrey Senior Cup games and one in the London Senior Cup.

However, despite talented players gracing the excellent playing surface this season, attendances have shown a noticeable downturn.  The average attendance is now only 74, which is down 20.1% on their previous campaign.


It was a night of glory for Slade Green defender Scott Lewis as he capped a fine season by winning both the Players' Player and Supporters' player of the year awards at the Small Glen club.  Shaun Malyon was named Managers' Player of the Year.   Meanwhile, Chris Tuley was voted the Reserve Team player of the year and Lee Morgan got the Managers' Player of the Year vote.  

The club also require a physio for next season following Graham Barber's decision to step down from his post.  Those interested in taking on this role should email the club at: Sladegreen477994@aol.com


Trials for next season's Ashford Town under 14's squad are being held this Sunday (8th) at the Ashford Mini-Soccer Centre from 10:30.

Meanwhile, Metro Reserves have secured the second division of the Ashford League and beat Bethesden 3-1 at Hythe Town's Reachfields Stadium last Sunday to win the Sheba Trophy.

Metro are managed by Ashford Town's first team physio, Owen Jenner, and his team consists mainly of former youth team players of the Homelands club.  Barry Cunningham and Craig Mannering were on the scoresheet.