1stjuly05A

Friday 01st July 2005

Daish gets his man

Nationwide Conference side Gravesend & Northfleet have announced James Smith has today signed a two-year, full-time contract with the club, writes Stephen McCartney.

The 19-year-old was signed for a four-figure fee from Nationwide South outfit Welling United and there are two additional four figure payments to be made following a fixed number of appearances for the Stonebridge Road club.

Following protracted negotiations, Fleet manager Liam Daish told the clubs website: "I am extremely pleased to have secured the signing of James.

"At nineteen years of age he has got a lot to offer this club.

"He is physically and mentally strong and I have no doubt that he has the ability to progress through the ranks of football.

"He will add strength and pace to our defence, something that I believe we were short of last season.

"Full time training will make James an even better player and I am looking forward to working with him and watching him progress."